The author Robert Newton (The Black Dog Gang)

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Edit   Delete - Last Modified By: JCA at 1/08/2014 10:18:38 PM

An interview with the author Robert Newton :

1.             If you were stranded on a desert island – which fictional character would you most want to be stranded with and why? 
'Probably Robinson Crusoe. I figure that if I was stranded with Robinson, he'd pretty much have things sorted out'

2.             What was your favourite book as a child? 
'Watership Down by Richard Adams'.

3.             What is the most outlandish plot idea you’ve come up with – and did it become a book?
'Being a fire-fighter and having three small daughters, I would love to write the words for a picture book. The plot idea is not really outlandish but it's called-'Fergus the Fire Truck'. Fergus hails from a long line of fire trucks, his father, grandfather and great grandfather have all proudly served the town of Ballymore, all of them highly decorated for their feats of bravery. Fergus wants nothing more than to follow in their footsteps. But there's only one problem. Fergus has asthma and the smoke and flames make it hard for him to breathe. It's a feel good story about overcoming adversity. To be honest, I doubt it will ever see the light of day'.

4.             If you could give any advice to aspiring writers, what would it be? 
There are story ideas buzzing around everywhere so keep your eyes and ears open.

TASK :

1.            Your turn answer all the questions above – then SHARE with your peers. Have you read Watership Down?

2.            Go to the link :

 http://www.insideadog.com.au/books/runner-0 on the Inside a dog site to find out about Robert Newton’s novel, Runner.  Have you read this novel? Some of the reviews are positive and some are negative. Why? Is this because we have different reactions to the same book?

Did you know that Robert Newton is currently a firefighter?

More information :

Robert Newton

Robert Newton works as a full-time firefighter with the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. His wrote his first novel, My Name is Will Thompson in 2001 and since then has written four other novels for young adults, including Runner in 2005 and Black Dog Gang in 2007. His upcoming novel for young adults is set for a 2011 release.

1.         Where were you born?

I was born in Townsville, Queensland on an army base.

2.         What other jobs have you had?

I currently work as a full time firefighter with the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. Before that, I had a string of jobs. I worked as a groundkeeper on a golf course and a builder’s labourer.

3.         What themes are recurring in your work?

We moved around a lot as a family. By the time I was twelve I’d been to eight schools. I suppose that sort of restless lifestyle taught me a few important lessons in life. It taught me about friendship and what’s it like to be an outsider.

4.         What are you passionate about?

Books. I love the idea that there are kids everywhere getting lost in all sorts of different stories.

5.         Anthing else you’d like to share with us?

I wanted to be a trumpet player when I was younger. I’ve also got a black belt in karate.

 

Edit   Delete - Last Modified By: JCA at 24/08/2014 11:55:45 AM

An interview with the author Robert Newton :

1.             If you were stranded on a desert island – which fictional character would you most want to be stranded with and why? 
'Probably Robinson Crusoe. I figure that if I was stranded with Robinson, he'd pretty much have things sorted out'

2.             What was your favourite book as a child? 
'Watership Down by Richard Adams'.

3.             What is the most outlandish plot idea you’ve come up with – and did it become a book?
'Being a fire-fighter and having three small daughters, I would love to write the words for a picture book. The plot idea is not really outlandish but it's called-'Fergus the Fire Truck'. Fergus hails from a long line of fire trucks, his father, grandfather and great grandfather have all proudly served the town of Ballymore, all of them highly decorated for their feats of bravery. Fergus wants nothing more than to follow in their footsteps. But there's only one problem. Fergus has asthma and the smoke and flames make it hard for him to breathe. It's a feel good story about overcoming adversity. To be honest, I doubt it will ever see the light of day'.

4.             If you could give any advice to aspiring writers, what would it be? 
There are story ideas buzzing around everywhere so keep your eyes and ears open.

TASK :

1.            Your turn answer all the questions above – then SHARE with your peers. Have you read Watership Down?

2.            Go to the link :

 http://www.insideadog.com.au/books/runner-0 on the Inside a dog site to find out about Robert Newton’s novel, Runner.  Have you read this novel? Some of the reviews are positive and some are negative. Why? Is this because we have different reactions to the same book?

Did you know that Robert Newton is currently a firefighter?

More information :

Robert Newton

Robert Newton works as a full-time firefighter with the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. His wrote his first novel, My Name is Will Thompson in 2001 and since then has written four other novels for young adults, including Runner in 2005 and Black Dog Gang in 2007. His upcoming novel for young adults is set for a 2011 release.

1.         Where were you born?

I was born in Townsville, Queensland on an army base.

2.         What other jobs have you had?

I currently work as a full time firefighter with the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. Before that, I had a string of jobs. I worked as a groundkeeper on a golf course and a builder’s labourer.

3.         What themes are recurring in your work?

We moved around a lot as a family. By the time I was twelve I’d been to eight schools. I suppose that sort of restless lifestyle taught me a few important lessons in life. It taught me about friendship and what’s it like to be an outsider.

4.         What are you passionate about?

Books. I love the idea that there are kids everywhere getting lost in all sorts of different stories.

5.         Anthing else you’d like to share with us?

I wanted to be a trumpet player when I was younger. I’ve also got a black belt in karate.

 

ACTIVITY

1. what surprises you about this interview with Robert Newton?

2. what sort of novel would you like him to write?

3. if you could write a novel, would you research it like Robert Newton has? What would it be about?

4. create a plan for a novel :

- who would be the main character?

- when would it be set? 

- what genre would it be?

- what conflicts or problems would you include?

- where and when would it be set?

- how would it end?

- would you be inspired by current or historical events?

- describe which current or historical event you are interested in that may form the basis of your short story. 

 

SHARE your ideas with peers.