| Interview with Gill
Arbuthnott |
Gill Arbuthnott
is a biology teacher at Edinburgh Academy who has just recently
published her first book entitled The Chaos Clock.
The first printing of this paperback book which was limited
to 2000 copies and was published by Floris Books (Kelpies),
Edinburgh in 2003, has been causing a bit of a stir with all
books clearing the shelves in record time. |
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'A most
engaging fantasy novel. What might have been a straightforward
tussle is enriched and complicated by the personal circumstances
of the children, particularly David for whom the temptation
to return to a time when his mother is still alive proves desperately
appealing.
Edinburgh, and particularly the city's Museum of Scotland, provides
the atmospheric setting and props for this tightly plotted novel.
Dynamic and satisfying. For readers aged nine to 12.'
Lindsey Fraser, Sunday Herald, 5 October
2003 |
| The Wee Web talk
to Gill Arbuthnott - 4 february
2004 |
The Wee Web
What gave you the inspiration to write your first novel, The
Chaos Clock?
Gill Arbuthnott
The Museum of Scotland in Chambers Street, Edinburgh and in
particular the Millennium Clock. Also, the Lightning King had
been in my head for a while, demanding to be put in a story..
The Wee Web
How long did it take to write The Chaos Clock?
Gill Arbuthnott
About a year; but it was a bit of a stop/start process. It had
got stuck until I was re-inspired by hearing David Almond speak
at the Edinburgh Book Festival.
The Wee Web
Did you have to approach many publishers before Floris Books
decided to go with you?
Gill Arbuthnott
No. I thought the book would make a good 'Kelpie' and wrote
to Canongate, not realising that they had sold the list on to
Floris. Luckily, Floris liked it. This is a big contrast to
my other (unpublished) books for which I have a fine collection
of rejection slips!
The Wee Web
Do you use a literary agent or do you manage the business side
of things yourself?
Gill Arbuthnott
So far, I don't have an agent, but I would like to get one.
The Wee Web
If The Chaos Clock becomes a huge success will you still continue
to teach?
Gill Arbuthnott
It would have to be an unfeasibly huge success for me to give
up a steady job, with pension, but a girl can dream . . .
The Wee Web
I am lead to believe that the first printing of The Chaos Clock
consists of 1500 copies only - is this figure correct and if
so did you sign many of them?
Gill Arbuthnott
It was actually 2000 copies. I have signed so many (mainly for
collectors) that I'm sure unsigned ones must be more valuable!
The Wee Web
Signed editions of The Chaos Clock are actually swapping hands
for as much as £60.00 on some internet auction sites -
are you flattered by this and are you surprised?
Gill Arbuthnott
I am staggered by it and would love to know what started it
off. A sale is a sale and it's great publicity, but I don't
like to think of my poor wee books languishing unread.
The Wee Web
Are you planning on writing another book and if so have you
started it yet - and is there a title?
Gill Arbuthnott
Definitely! The first draft is written and I am currently revising
it as fast as I can. I'm not good at titles, so I'm not going
to divulge the working title.
The Wee Web
The Chaos Clock is not illustrated - can you tell me why?
Gill Arbuthnott
I don't think any of the Kelpies (scottish children's fiction)are,
but I may be wrong. I prefer books (for that age) without illustrations.
That's the job of the reader's imagination.
The Wee Web
Who is your favourite children's author and why?
Gill Arbuthnott
1. David Almond for the passion and beauty of his writing.
2. Monica Dickens who created the world I longed to inhabit
as a child.
3. Alan Garner for his fabulous imagination.
. . . but there are lots more!
The Wee Web
Are Kate and David, or any other of the characters in your book,
based on people you know?
Gill Arbuthnott
Only Holly the dog is based on a real dog! The others have bits
and pieces of lots of people I know grafted onto my imagination.
The Wee Web
What do you think are the main ingredients for a good children's
story?
Gill Arbuthnott
The same as for any story: characters you really care about
and relationships that seem real. A bit of excitement and humour
help too.
The Wee Web
What advice can you offer to children who enjoy writing?
Gill Arbuthnott
Keep writing! And read everything you can get your hands on.
And write for yourself - not what you think other people want.
The Wee Web
If you had one special wish what would it be?
Gill Arbuthnott
Can't answer this one! My wish came true when I got published.
The Wee Web
Have you got a message for fans of The Chaos Clock?
Gill Arbuthnott
Thankyou! I'm writing the second book as fast as I can . . .
The Wee Web would
like to thank Gill Arbuthnott for taking the
time to answer our questions!
The
Chaos Clock (second printing)
is available as from 09/02/2004.
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