Year 6 were delighted to have the opportunity to interview our Book of the Month author, Emma Carroll. Emma has written many historical fictions books, aimed at Upper Key Stage 2, such as the Somerset Tsunami, Secrets of a Sun King and Letters from the Lighthouse. We would like to say a massive thank you to Emma for taking the time to answer our questions.
Where does your interest in historical fiction stem from?I love reading books set in the past, so I think this is my biggest influence. I love hearing about everyday details like what people wore, what food they ate, how they travelled, things like that. What made you write about a tsunami? It's a true story- well, part of it is. A huge wave travelled up the Bristol Channel in 1608, causing terrible floods in which 2000 people died. In 2004, geologists researching the event, claimed written accounts of the time and the aftermath of the flood all pointed to it being a tsunami. It was then down to me to make up characters who might've lived through such a disaster. Is there a follow-on from this particular book? Though the ending suggests there might be a sequel, there aren't any plans for one, currently! What is the best part of being an author and why? There are so many! I love that I get to write stories all day, read books, talk about books and meet lots of brilliant people. It's the best job in the world. Ever since I was a child I've wanted to be an author. Sometimes I have to pinch myself! Are you interested in superstitious activity in real life? I confess I do love spooky stories and old traditions, yes. And I always say 'morning sir' to single magpies!
