I didn't consciously make the decision to write an adult novel. I didn't think of it as my riposte to the YA genre. Mal Peet adultconsciouslydecision Change image and share on social
Although I now spend most of my time writing novels for teenagers and adults, 'readaloudability' is still a criterion I try to adhere to. Mal Peet adhereadultcriterion Change image and share on social
After being rejected for years, I found a publisher for 'Keeper,' and it won prizes, and then I had to write a second and a third book because I kept taking the money and spending it. Mal Peet bookfindkeeper Change image and 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
Sex and death, the magnetic poles of fiction, attract us children's writers no less than adult authors, but we have to be more leery of their pull. Mal Peet adultattractauthor Change image and share on social
I can ask for a £25,000 advance, but then you spend a year writing the book, and £25,000 is a loan against sales, and you can easily spend five years earning out. So that's £25,000 for six years. Mal Peet 000advancebook Change image and share on social
Disconnection or alienation from the past has political consequences. Mal Peet alienationconsequencedisconnection Change image and share on social
'Smart', in American usage, is slicker and sharper than 'intelligent'; faster off the mark and quicker on its feet than deep thought. Mal Peet americandeepfast Change image and share on social
Everyone who sits on a sofa watching 'Match of the Day' is a top soccer expert, as you know. So if you start to worry about such people reading your story and saying, 'That'd never happen' you're going to freeze up. You're writing fiction, and your characters can do whatever you need them to do. Mal Peet characterdayexpert share on social
I want to drink champagne from ladies' shoes. Mal Peet champagnedrinklady Change image and share on social