Francesca Simon was born in the United States and attended both Yale and Oxford universities. For ten years she worked as a freelance journalist. She now writes full-time and has had many books published including the best-selling Horrid Henry series and many picture books. Francesca is constantly in demand at bookshops, schools and book festivals all over the country where she talks to children about her books. She lives in North London with her family.
Horrid Henry books and audio have sold over 10 million copies in UK alone and CITV have made a hugely popular cartoon series based on the nation’s favourite naughty boy. 2008 sees the launch of a Horrid Henry exhibition at Seven Stories, Newcastle called Up To Mischief With Horrid Henry.
Here are the answers to some of your questions…
How did you get the idea for Horrid Henry?
I got the idea for Horrid Henry when a friend asked me to write a story about a horrid child. Horrid Henry was born on the spot. I also wanted to write about sibling rivalry and families where one child was considered “perfect” and the other “horrid.”
Is Horrid Henry based on a real child?
No, but I think there’s a bit of Henry and Peter inside everyone.
Where do you get your ideas from? I get my ideas from things that happen to me, or to people I know, or from my imagination. I think of ordinary situations, like birthday parties or getting nits, and then add a “horrid” twist. So if my son has to have an injection, I think of how Henry would behave.
How long does it take to write a Horrid Henry book?
Around 4 months.
Who is your favorite character?
I like Moody Margaret, because I was bossy like her when I was her age. But of course I love Henry and Peter. And Beefy Bert makes me laugh.
Will Horrid Henry be on TV?
A cartoon series is now shown on CITV.
Do you like writing books?
YES! But I hate starting a new book, I am happiest when I am improving my rough drafts.
How do you get your characters’ names?
I think of funny adjectives, like “sour” or “rude” and match names to them. I love alliteration and use it as much as possible.
Who is your favorite writer?
My favourite author as a child was Edward Eager, who wrote about magic adventures. I also really liked Beverley Cleary, whose Ramona and Henry Huggins books are published here. My favourite author now is Anthony Trollope, a Victorian novelist who wrote 43 very long books.
How many books have you written?
I’ve written over 40 books.
What was your first book called?
“Papa Forgot” published in 1993.
Where do you write?
On a computer in my very messy office in the attic of my Victorian house.
Why did you want to be an author?
I’ve always enjoyed writing, and started writing fairy tales when I was 8 years old, so it is never too early to start. I used to be a journalist, but I became an author after my son Joshua was born in 1989. I started to get a lot of ideas, and began writing them down. It did take me over a year to have my first book accepted, however. I started writing because I kept getting ideas—I think it’s because I love reading, and I was reading a lot of children’s books to him.
Can you give me any writing tips?
Ideas are everywhere, and you must listen out for them. Your stories will be more fun if you give them a twist. So, if you want to write about football, what about an alien football match, or a pets’ football match? It’s always easier to write the beginning and end first, and the middle last. Think of where your character is at the beginning, and what they are like, and how they are different at the end. The middle bit is what changed them. The best way to learn to be a writer is to be a reader.
Have you written any other books beside HORRID HENRY?
My favourites are HELPING HERCULES, DON’T COOK CINDERELLA and THE TOPSY-TURVIES.
Francesca Simon was born in the United States and attended both Yale and Oxford universities. For ten years she worked as a freelance journalist. She now writes full-time and has had many books published including the best-selling Horrid Henry series and many picture books. Francesca is constantly in demand at bookshops, schools and book festivals all over the country where she talks to children about her books. She lives in North London with her family.
Who is your favorite character?