Interview with Author & FSW Patron Giles
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1. FSW: What is your background and family etc GPP: I was born in 1977 to Brenda and Charles Paley-Phillips, I was raised in Seaford, East Sussex, which is where I still live, my parents where both local district councillors, and were extremely active all through my early life. When I was 3 years old my mother was diagnosed with Leukaemia, and after some years of extensive treatment and several bone marrow transplants she eventually passed away in 1983, when I was 6 years old. All during her illness my mother campaigned for leukaemia research and she had the opportunity to make speeches at several conservative party conferences and did my father in later years. Life was obviously difficult during my up bringing, as my father also had a drink problem, but thankfully I had fantastic grandparents who played a big role in my life. I have had many great opportunities so far in my adult life. I have had the privilege to play guitar in several bands, playing at such things as Glastonbury, doing national tours and release records. Since the birth of my first son in 2007 I decided to turn my hand to writing children's books, which has so far been incredibly satisfying and rewarding 2. FSW: Why have you chosen to support us? GPP: Having a young family and knowing the sorts of things, myself and my brother had to experience during our own childhoods, FSW seemed the perfect charity for me to support. I was very fortunate that within my own family there was a support network for me, some families don't have that luxury and that is why I feel FSW and the things it does for families in Sussex is so vital and one that I am honoured to be associated with. 3. FSW: What are your sources of inspiration for your projects? My children are always inspirational, not necessarily by what they say or do, but often because of a desire to write something that they would like. The Fearsome Beastie was initially inspired by my son’s desire to play games where we hide under blankets from scary monsters. It made me think that children actually enjoy that sort of play. 4. FSW: How do your books get illustrated, what is the process behind it? (people wont know how it works so will be interesting perspective) GPP: With each publisher it is slightly different, but on the whole, the publisher sources an illustrator they feel is the right fit for the story, so really it is the publisher's experience and foresight which is how the image of the book comes about. 5. FSW: How do you/did you find a publisher? GPP: It is just a matter of sending out your manuscripts to the kinds of publishers you feel are right for your work, it can be a long process and you have to be quite thick skinned, but it only takes one publisher to like it and say yes. You have to be tenacious, keep writing, keep sending stuff, you never know when you might get a bite. 6. FSW: What projects are you currently working on? What is developing over the next year? What events can people see you at? GPP: I have another picture book coming out in 2012 with Gullane Children's Books, which is about Dinosaurs! and hopefully I'll be working on another picture book with Maverick very soon too 7. FSW: If money and time were no object how would you spend your time? GPP: I love spending time with my family. I have a wonderful wife and two fantastic boys, we've talked about doing a train trip around the US, so maybe that would be a good start. 8. FSW: How do you see the relationship with FSW developing? What would you like to see happen? GPP: First and foremost my priority is to bring far more awareness to FSW. I like to think I’m sincere about how I conduct myself and my work so I want everybody I encounter to know about it!! I would very much like to develop some more fund raising events and participate in the current ones planned. I am a fervent person. 9. When are you the most productive and how do you recharge your creative juices? GPP: I am most productive after any meal, my brain always needs food. Kicking back and watching a movie. I also play guitar in an alternative rock band, called Burnthouse, which I love doing, music is a massive part of my life.
Giles Paley-Phillips |
Giles was born in East Sussex and lives in Seaford. Initially he pursued a career in music, releasing several albums, and playing at such prestigious events as The Glastonbury and Essential festivals, it was at this time that he first began to develop his skills as a writer. Giles’s first book “There’s a lion in my bathroom” received much critical acclaim. His work has been likened to that of Spike Milligan. Printable Version |