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Elizabeth Hawkins

Elizabeth Hawkins lives in London and Dorset. She has written a number of books for children of all ages and she also teachers and lectures on writing for children.

NAME:
Elizabeth Hawkins

PLACE OF BIRTH:
Worcester

FAVOURITE BOOK:
Holly & Ivy by Rumer Godden

FAVOURITE SONG:
When I’m 64 by The Beatles

FAVOURITE FILM:
Casablanca

MOST TREASURED POSSESSION:
My old battered and much-used pocket school dictionary

When did you start writing?
I started writing when I was 5. I was at a small school where I was allowed to write what I liked when I liked. At 11 I was sent away to boarding school for 7 years where I was only allowed to write essays and prepare for exams. After university I was a journalist writing newspaper articles. I didn’t return to writing fiction/stories until my children were born.

Where do you get your ideas and inspiration from?
Everywhere! I might see a scene in a street, in a supermarket which will spark an idea. I might read some news story in the paper, or I might get an idea from reading a myth/legend or a proverb. Sometimes one character (from real life) will spark an idea. I always have many more ideas than I can work up!

Can you give your top 3 tips to becoming a successful author
1 If you start writing something, FINISH IT! If it works, that’s fine. If it isn’t working you will be forced to think out why and try and try to get it right…and you will.
2 You need to become someone who can tolerate solitude. A writing life is on your own. Most writers don’t feel lonely but crave solitude for their work.
3 Don’t wait for inspiration! Some days you may be inspired but a lot of writing comes out of those days when you don’t feel like it, but still get down to writing.

Favourite memory
When I was 14 I went on a school trip to Oxford. In the High Street a female student cycled past, her bicycle basket full of books. I knew I wanted to be her and from that point I worked extra hard so that I could go to university.

Favourite place in the world and why?
Any remote unspoilt beach – I love the sea!

What are your hobbies?
Swimming in the sea – never in a pool.
Yoga.
Long walks in remote places.
Bird watching.
Gardening.
Collecting wood cut prints.

If you hadn't been a writer what do you think you would have been?
Unemployable?
Married to a rich man, painting my nails each day.
Council gardener.