I'm not sure that when I read 'Treasure Island' for the first time, when I was about 10, I understood all the words or what was going on. But that didn't stop me reading it, and I certainly didn't forget it. Mal Peet forgetislandread share on social
In my seaside town, there is a plethora of benches, each one bearing a little brass plate commemorating a deceased occupant. You sit with ghosts. Mal Peet bearbenchbras Change image and share on social
I try to write stories that will attract younger readers and make them feel part of a wider readership. I do not feel able to write books that are about, or even for, teenagers; and I am inclined to be suspicious of books which 'target' them. Mal Peet attractbookfeel share on social
Although I write to entertain, and try to keep my work free of didacticism, I do have a rather passionate belief in our need to be connected to - and to learn from - history. Mal Peet beliefconnectdidacticism Change image and share on social
Normally, I'm a grumpy old man - whenever I read about celebrity, I start to grind my teeth and pull my hair; it seems synonymous with idiocy. Mal Peet celebritygrindgrumpy Change image and share on social
When I'm working, I always read stuff that's as far away from what I'm working on as possible, so I'll read American crime fiction at bedtime, or Emily Dickinson. Mal Peet americanbedtimecrime Change image and share on social
I usually have about four books on the go - a bedside book, a lavatory book, a downstairs book, and the book in my study that I read sneakily while I should be writing. Short stories for the lavatory, obviously. Mal Peet bedsidebookdownstairs share on social
It's extremely difficult to describe interestingly what happens on the pitch. Thousands of journalists write millions of words every week trying to do it, so your chances of avoiding cliche are very slim. And you're trying to write fiction, not a match report. Mal Peet avoidchancecliche share on social
If I were to try to describe the way in which I write, the only word I would use without qualification is 'slowly.' Mal Peet describequalificationslowly Change image and share on social
