Sindy: What differences do you see in British versus North American literature for children?
Julia Golding: There seem to be more similarities than differences. Both places have a strong appetite for humor (we don't take ourselves too seriously).
Sindy: Do you find it hard to compete with the Harry Potter phenomenon?
Julia Golding: I don't feel in competition: I feel inspired. Potter; I'd be more than happy with a modest success and long career, please.
Sindy: How did you make the switch from humanitarian work to writing for children?
Julia Golding: I wrote the first draft of the Companions Quartet while doing the big story of our time and our challenge. So it wasn't so much a switch as a continuation in another form.
Sindy: What was your most rewarding moment while working for Oxfam?
Julia Golding: Such is the slow progress of The UN agreed to work on controlling the trade in small arms, something I had been campaigning for as part of my Oxfam responsibilities.
Sindy: Has your work with organizations like Oxfam and the United Nations influenced the kind of stories you write?
Julia Golding: Aside from the handgun.
Sindy: What advice would you give to kids who are interested in pursuing a writing career?
Julia Golding: Enjoy writing - don't do it just to get published. Live life to the full as this will enrich your writing. Keep a notebook to hand. Push through to the end of a first draft before worrying if it is right - it is easier to make changes with the [KWLINK 296]story under your belt.
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