It is really important that focusing on things such as spelling, punctuation, grammar and handwriting doesn't inhibit the creative flow. When I was at school there was a huge focus on copying and testing and it put me off words and stories for years. Michael Morpurgo copycreativeflow share on social
There is the myth that writing books for children is easier than writing books for grownups, whereas we know that truly great books for children are works of genius, whether it's 'Alice in Wonderland' or the 'Gruffalo' or 'Northern Lights.' When it's a great book, it's a great book, whether it's for children or not. Michael Morpurgo alicebookchild share on social
A notion for a story is for me a confluence of real events, historical perhaps, or from my own memory to create an exciting fusion. Michael Morpurgo confluencecreateevent Change image and share on social
I write fiction. I make things up, it's what I do. Michael Morpurgo fictionmakething Change image and share on social
Some writers - most, I suspect - write in isolation. I think I'd always found that quite difficult. Michael Morpurgo difficultfindisolation Change image and share on social
Anything that gets children reading is fine. Michael Morpurgo childfineread Change image and share on social
When I write I try as far as possible to forget I'm writing it at all. I tell it down onto the page, as if I'm telling it to one person only, my best friend. Michael Morpurgo forgetfriendpage Change image and share on social
Strange questions are the more interesting ones. Children by and large don't try to trip you up... they want to find out how you do this funny thing that you do... if they've loved a story they love to know how it started. Michael Morpurgo childfindfunny share on social
Something I learn every time I stand in front of a bunch of children, I learn never, never to underestimate them or patronise them. Michael Morpurgo bunchchildfront Change image and share on social
Don't worry about writing a book or getting famous or making money. Just lead an interesting life. Michael Morpurgo bookfamousinterest Change image and share on social