When I write something that would have made me laugh as a 10-year-old, or would have scared me or would have excited me, I know I'm onto something. Jonathan Stroud excitelaughmake Change image and share on social
I like using traditional beliefs in my fantasies, even though I always end up warping them to suit my purpose: it somehow makes everything feel more 'solid' if it's got a long history behind it. Jonathan Stroud beliefendfantasy Change image and share on social
As a child I was really into fantasy books with elves and goblins and swords, and I went through a phase for a few years when I was reading endless series. But in the end I became totally fed-up with all these sub-Tolkien rip-offs because they all end up doing the same old things and there's no rigour to it. Jonathan Stroud bookchildelf share on social
The important thing about any book is that you have to have a good story and that it has to be exciting. Then it's nice to add other levels underneath that people can pick up on. Jonathan Stroud addbookexcit Change image and share on social
When I think about my ideal free day, it usually involves going into London and sitting in a nice coffeehouse with cake and coffee, but I would probably still have my notebook in my pocket. Jonathan Stroud cakecoffeecoffeehouse Change image and share on social
We grow up being told about great figures in our society, and as you get older you have to question the stories you've been told and decide if these great figures are indeed as great as you've been told. Jonathan Stroud decidefiguregreat share on social
My wife gave me a year to start making money out of writing, and after six months, I'd made not a bean. Suddenly, the books took off, and the beans started coming in! Jonathan Stroud beanbookcome Change image and share on social
As an author, you need to keep talking to your audience to remind yourself what they like and what they don't like. You spend most of your life locked in a room, and you need to be social occasionally. Jonathan Stroud audienceauthorlife share on social
I got fairly good grades, but I was bad at woodwork. They said I tried hard, but the result was hopeless. Jonathan Stroud badfairlygood Change image and share on social
When I was young, I kept a diary for about 10 years and I had to write in it every day. Even on days when nothing seemed to happen, I made myself think of something to put in it. Jonathan Stroud daydiaryhappen Change image and share on social