1.
Of all of the activities you could have picked for Ben’s punishment, why
knitting?
Because knitting is usually
seen as a feminine activity. When Ben begins knitting he feels he can;t let his
friends know about it because they would mock him. He is terrified of his
father finding out because he knows his father will not understand. Though Boys Don’t Knit is a humorous book, it really wouldn’t work without the
tension building as Ben concocts increasingly elaborate lies to hide his woolly secrets.
2.
It’s unusual to see a male protagonist’s story in diary format. What made you
decide to write Ben’s story in that way?
I’m a fan of the diary format. It
allows for short, punchy chapters, each ending on a mini-cliffhanger. Keeping a
diary is something girls tend to do more than boys, and the parallel between
Ben’s love of knitting and his love of writing in intentional. Ben is a complex
character. He’s sensitive and introspective, but has a laddish side to him as
well. Though he despairs of his idiotic friends, he loves being part of the
gang. He is as secretive about his diary-keeping as he knitting.
3.
What was your favourite scene to write?
I enjoyed writing the scene at
the All UK Knitting Championships where all the various threads come together. Giant
knitting needles, rampant goats, gang warfare, television cameras, Home Office
officials and a green-dyed hoodie disguised as a sheep. Poor old Ben, how can he possibly concentrate on his stranded colour work with all that
going on?
Quick-fire
round!
4.
Literary idol?
Neal Stephenson.
5.
Favourite story world?
Other than our own? Can I have
two? I love Terry Pratchett’s Discworld, and
in the sci-fi genre: Isaac Asimov’s Foundation
Universe.
6.
Current read?
I’ve just read Train Dreams, a novella by Denis Johnson.
Beautiful and heart-breaking. Next on the TBR list is by Sebastian Faulks – A Possible Life.
Thanks Tom! Go read Boys Don’t Knit!
Sophie
Great book and great interview! I too am a big fan of the diary format and am glad it's being used more.
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