One Minute With: Michael Bond, children's author

 

Thursday 14 June 2012 10:50 EDT
Comments
Michael Bond with his creation, Paddington Bear
Michael Bond with his creation, Paddington Bear

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Where are you now and what can you see?

I am in a corner of my study. Facing me are two computer screens. Above the main one are some small shelves for reference books.

What are you currently reading?

The Disenchanted by Budd Schulberg. It's a tour de force, but a bit depressing if you happen to be an author, about a writer who has gone to seed.

Choose a favourite author and say why you admire him/her?

George Simenon, for his sheer professionalism. He never uses three words when one will do.

Describe the room where you usually write

Long and narrow with a window at either end. One side is lined with books. The other has a door and a built-in area where I work.

Which fictional character most resembles you?

The Scarlet Pimpernel when someone unexpected rings the door bell. If it's my turn to open the door, The Man in the Iron Mask.

Who is your hero/heroine from outside literature?

Paul Bocuse... owner of the three-star restaurant in Lyon, once caught sight of my chicken sitting stationary on a spit and gave it a nudge. It saved the day and it was the most delicious chicken ever.

'Paddington Races Ahead' and 'Paddington's Guide to London' by Michael Bond are published by HarperCollins Children's Books

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in