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10 Questions: Steve Cole
1. Sum up your novel in three words.
Young Bond’s BACK.
2. Where did the initial idea come from?
I wanted to give James a first in this, the sixth Young Bond. Of course, Dr No was the sixth adult book and chosen to kick off the movie franchise. That led me to thinking the sixth Young Bond could take James to Hollywood for the first time.
3. How was the title chosen?
Once I had 1930s Hollywood as a setting, where they’re shooting movies, well – the dual meaning of the word made it irresistible. It’s one of the few things that has not changed since the original pitch document!
4. What’s your writing routine?
I drop the kids at school, drive over to my rented "work cottage" and spend the day thinking, brooding, snacking and quietly tapping away. Back home I help get the kids into bed, have dinner, then carry on working in my home office into the small hours (it’s currently 1.26 am). I do that most days, when I’m not travelling around doing events.
5. Which book do you wish you’d written?
Marianne Dreams by Catherine Storr – one of those heroically simple but hugely imaginative ideas, with stark, satisfying prose.
6. What’s your favourite word in the English language?
Extension.
7. Who’s your favourite fictional character?
Got to be James Bond in the books, Doctor Who on TV. I’m so lucky to have written stories for both!
8. What was your favourite book as a child?
Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl
9. What book are you recommending to everyone at the moment?
The Loneliness of the Long Distance Time Traveller by Joanna Harris. Elegant and moving.
10. What do books and reading mean to you?
They mean my way of life. My income. My outcome. My world. Writing books for children is the most rewarding career I could ever have hoped for.
Young Bond: Shoot to Kill by Steve Cole is out this week from Doubleday Children's Books for £12.99.
