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David Wood

It was a love of performing that led to David Wood becoming a writer. In his teens he sang songs in talent competitions, entertained with magic at children's parties and acted in school plays. At Oxford University, where he read English, he acted in plays and wrote songs and sketches for revues, and just managed to achieve a degree. Then he worked professionally as an actor in theatre, film and television. Meanwhile he had started to write plays for children, an activity that eventually became the most important part of his working life. The Times dubbed him 'the national children's dramatist'. Soon he began writing children's books as well. In 2005 he was awarded an OBE for his services to literature and drama.

Check out David Wood's website.

Place of birth and birthday?
Sutton 21.2.44.

What is your favourite book?
Goodnight Mister Tom/Tom's Midnight Garden.

What is your favourite song?
Anything by Buddy Holly.

What is your favourite film?
Groundhog Day.

What is your most treasured possession?
Tilly the Tortoise (aged approx 90).

When did you start writing?
Aged 10 - plays for my puppet theatre.

Where do your ideas and inspiration come from?
Having a deadline to work to!

Can you give three tips to becoming a successful author?
1) Read lots. 2) Keep a blog or diary. 3) Keep a notebook for ideas and write them down before you forget them.

What is your favourite place in the world and why :
Home, though New York is pretty exciting!

What are your hobbies?
Conjuring (member of The Magic Circle), collecting old books.

If you hadn't been a writer, what do you think you would have been?
An actor (which I still am sometimes), a magician (which I still am sometimes).