Book People: Adam France

Adam France has a bulldog, he’s a primary school teacher, he’s in a successful band and now he has his first book for middle – upper primary readers…he’s clearly kicking life goals. ‘Paddy T and the Time-Travelling Trampoline’ is a darned good read aloud (or independent read) which took me back to my days of deeply loving the ‘Un’ books by Paul Jennings (‘Unreal’, ‘Unbelievable’ etc), which Adam does name as his favourite book. ‘Paddy T and the Time-Travelling Trampoline’ has the same slightly twisted, edge of seat, hugely entertaining feel as Jennings and Gleitzman of the 80s and 90s and ChickPea (8) and Pud (11) both devoured it, which I’m hoping entices them to read some of the older Jennings tales.

I so enjoy digitally introducing new authors in the kidlet space, so please do meet Adam France – who I’m hoping has another book underway in between everything else he does. Also? I always check out the music people write to or describe as their inspiration and the two albums Adam talks about below, Mogwai’s ‘Atomic’ and Russian Circles ‘Station’ are now on high rotation in our house.

Click on ‘Buy from Booktopia’ when shopping online in Australia to #supportaustralian. Purchase in store from your local independent bookstore where possible #supportlocal.

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TEN THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ADAM FRANCE

1. Tell us about your latest book

‘Paddy T and the Time-Travelling Trampoline’ follows the weird world of Paddy Thompson. Each of the seven stories takes the reader through twists and turns as Paddy tackles unusual situations.

2. How did you get started as a writer?

I have been writing stories since I was in primary school. I fell in love with authors like Paul Jennings and Morris Gleitzman and really enjoyed the way they made me thirsty to read and write. It wasn’t until my daughter, Frankie, was born six years ago that I decided to take my writing seriously.

3. What does a typical day look like for you?

My British Bulldog, Snorey Feldman, wakes me up every morning around 4:30am. From there I either go to the gym or workout at home before getting ready for school.

Frankie and I have karaoke contests on the way to school each morning. I spend my day teaching a lovely bunch of grade 5 students before returning home to sit on the back deck whilst Frankie and Feldman chase each other around the yard.

By the time my partner arrives home from work, we eat dinner. There’s always a high chance that we end up at our favourite sushi place. After dinner, I usually get a second wind and start writing or watch movies with my family before dragging myself to bed.

4. Can you describe your workspace for us?

I have a writing space downstairs that I love being in. It had shelves full of books from my favourite authors and trinkets that remind of times and places in my life that inspire me and give me ideas to write more stories.

5. Any words of advice for young readers and writers?

Read anything and everything. New and old. There’s no better feeling than getting lost in a book. It’s no different in writing. Lose yourself in your writing. Write about anything and everything. Write about what makes you happy.

6. Do you have a favourite book or character (your own or somebody else’s)?

My favourite book is Paul Jennings ‘Unreal’. It is full of fantastic stories. I particularly enjoy reading ‘Cow Dung Custard’ to my students.

7. If you were not a creator of books for young people what would you be?

That’s a great question. Can I be a travel blogger? That would be fun.

8. What is your favourite food to eat and/or your favourite music to listen to whilst you are working on your books?

I always listen to music when I write. Whilst writing Paddy T, I had two albums on constant rotation – Mogwai’s ‘Atomic’ and Russian Circles ‘Station’.  Both albums created a soothing atmosphere to write in.

9. How much of yourself or people you know is in your books?

There’s quite a lot of my family and I in this book. All of the stories have an element of truth about them. I grew up in a pretty zany family. It makes writing about them fun.

10. If you could have one wish for the world what would it be?

Be happy. Be grateful. Be humble.

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