Richard Platt talks about non-fiction


Richard Platt is the author of Pirate Diary, Castle Diary and Double Crossing, and many others!

1    Do you prefer writing non fiction or fiction?
I love writing both but when you write fiction, the story keeps the reader interested, whereas in non-fiction, the reader may not immediately see why the subject of the book is interesting. The author has to work harder to keep the reader’s attention.  

2    Why is non fiction important for children?
We live in an amazing world full of amazing things, amazing people and amazing true stories. Non-fiction writing introduces children to these extraordinary subjects. Stories are great, and are a very pleasant way to escape reality, but we don’t live in a fantasy world. Non-fiction books are about the real world, and how to survive and thrive in it.   

3    Where do you get your ideas from for non fiction books?
From everywhere: from other books, newspapers and magazines; from things people say to me; from conversations overheard on the bus; from distant memories of my childhood.

4    What do you see as the future for non fiction writing for children?
I see non fiction as very underrated and neglected at the moment. I predict that it will become much more important as publishers realize that there is a huge demand for factual books that are tailored to children’s ages and reading abilities, written by skilled and experienced authors, and are factually correct and checked by experts. Non fiction on the web can’t guarantee these three advantages.

5   What non fiction books did you love growing up?
I loved the old I-Spy books. I also had a brilliant science book (I have forgotten the name) which was full of dangerous experiments. Really dangerous. The one I remember best but (fortunately perhaps) never dared try was ... to dry drinking glasses in the oven, stack them in two layers, stand on a tea-tray on top of the pile, then touch a bare electric wire. DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME! If you carried out the instructions exactly it was safe, but there are so many risks that nobody would ever suggest today that children might try it.