Morris Gleitzman grew up in England and came to Australia when he was sixteen. After university he worked for ten years as a screenwriter. Then he had a wonderful experience. He wrote a novel for young people. Now, after 42 books, he’s one of Australia’s most popular authors. He was appointed the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2018–2019. His latest book is called Always.
Today, we’re thrilled to have Morris Gleitzman on the blog to answer our Ten Terrifying Questions (though, he reckons he’s had worse). Read on …
1. To begin with why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself – where were you born? Raised? Schooled?
I was born in Lincolnshire, next to an airforce landing field. Sometimes, when I’m half asleep and I sense ideas approaching, the big ones sound a bit like Lancaster bombers.
I was raised lovingly and schooled modestly in south London.
2. What did you want to be when you were twelve, eighteen and thirty? And why?
Twelve, an Australian. Eighteen, a writer. Thirty, a parent.
Who wouldn’t, you need to ask why? I’ll substitute a better question.
How to do feel about those dreams now, Morris?
Grateful I had them, thanks for asking. And even more incredibly undyingly grateful that they all came true.
3. What strongly held belief did you have at eighteen that you don’t have now?
That I would eventually read every book in the world.
4. What are three works of art – this could be a book, painting, piece of music, film, etc – that influenced your development as a writer?
Book – The Horse’s Mouth by Joyce Cary. Other books – all the Just William stories by Richmal Crompton. Music – everything by Van Morrison except the tracks with the hammond organ.
5. Considering the many artistic forms out there, what appeals to you about writing a children’s book?
It’s the one I can do.
‘I wanted to take my hero, Felix, back to where we first met him when he was ten and the world was at war.’
6. Please tell us about your latest book!
Always is the seventh and final book in the Once series. I wanted to take my hero, Felix, back to where we first met him when he was ten and the world was at war. He’s 87 now, nearing the end of a life filled with optimism and hope and his efforts to make the world a better place. In Always, Felix helps a ten year old boy called Wassim stay alive in a world that is still at war in many ways. He also inspires Wassim to keep going with his own optimism and hope and world-enhancing efforts.
7. What do you hope people take away with them after reading your work?
The characters, I hope, in their hearts.
8. Who do you most admire in the writing world and why?
People who have to write their first book without payment or encouragement. I had both and it was still hard. To type the final full stop without either is heroic.
9. Many artists set themselves very ambitious goals. What are yours?
To one day write my best book.
10. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
One thing every main character needs is a problem. They’ll thank you for it as they struggle and grow. They’ll thank you even more if the problem isn’t fatal.
Thank you for playing!
What? I open my heart and soul and this is just a game?
Yep!
—Always by Morriz Gleitzman (Penguin Books Australia) is out now.

Always
The Once series: Book 7
The much-anticipated final journey in the story of Felix, hero of Morris Gleitzman's multi-award-winning Once, Then, After, Soon, Maybe and Now.
It’s fifteen years since readers were first introduced to Felix in Once and across six celebrated books, our brave young hero has survived many unforgettable and emotional journeys. Now comes the seventh and final part of Felix’s story, bringing to a powerful climax a series that countless young readers around the world will remember – Always...
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