The Fearsome Beastie BLOG TOUR

To celebrate the publication of The Fearsome Beastie by Giles Paley-Phillips, and also to celebrate the fact that it's almost Halloween, Giles has set up a blog tour. Today, it is my pleasure to introduce Giles, who will be talking about writing, cheese, grandmas and scary, hairy monsters...

How long did it take you to write The Fearsome Beastie?
The text took about a day to write, but it took a bit longer to iron out the creases!

When you wrote TFB, did you have an idea in your head of how you wanted the original book to look like? If so, do Gabrieles illustrations live up to your expectations?
There are a few brief descriptions of the beastie in the book, but I left it fairly vague. I think Gabriele has done a magnificent job - I love the beastie he has created.

Is there anything that was edited out of the final edition of the book i.e a page, sentence, picture etc?
I almost re-wrote the ending, as I wasn't sure if we'd gone too far with some of the images at the end of the book, but my publisher reassured me and I'm so glad we kept it as macabre as it is.

If you could have a famous grandma (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
Oh, I like this question! I think it would have to be Julie Andrews (who wouldn't want Mary Poppins!?). If I could have a grandad, I'd like Bill Murray!

Any tips for aspiring authors?
Just keep believing in your work and be tenacious, it only takes one person to say yes!

Where did you get your inspiration from for The Fearsome Beastie?
My children love playing monster games, hiding under blankets and being surprised. I was also reading a lot of alternative children's books, like Tim Burton's melancholy death of Oyster Boy and stuff by Hilare Belloc.

For people who haven't read TFB, could you tell us more about it?
It is a hark back to the cautionary tales of old - a beastie ventures from his cage in search of a meal, and the children in the near-by town are at the top of his menu!

Random question...what's your favourite cheese?
It's got to be brie, although I am partial to apricot Stilton.

QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS

Chocolate or Cake? Chocolate.
Facebook or Twitter? Facebook.
Reading or writing? Writing.
Red or Blue? Blue.
Sun or Rain? Rain.

Thanks Giles! You can see my review of The Fearsome Beastie here.