Author Tony Gilbert

Tony morphing into a lizard

Elias: Hello, Author Tony. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.

Author Tony: I would've walked over hot coals and given my left kidney to do this interview.

Elias: You have a very interesting and appropriate first name. Were your parents psychic when they decided to name you 'Author'?

Author Tony: No, actually they were hippies.

Elias: Your books have been described as two covers with words in-between. How else would you describe them?

Author Tony: There are pages in there too. Not many in ‘The Cloud Diary’ though, which is a short story full of hope and love – a tale that delves in to the mind of a child who has lost someone so close to them. ‘Hugo – A Quest for King Borin’, on the other hand is a full length children’s novel based in a fantasy world full of dragons and elves and goblins; plenty of adventure, fun and fighting.

Elias: One of your current books, Hugo - A Quest for King Borin (The Hooded One) has quite a long title. Was the title once shorter and just called 'Hugo' until you were threatened by Martin Scorsese?  

Author Tony: Well, ‘The Hooded One’ is just in reference to the series. The next book will be ‘The Hooded One 2”. 

Scorsese is actually a nice chap but I was a bit peaved when he made me change the title of my recent short story ‘Casino’.

Elias: The character names from Hugo - A Quest for King Borin are a little quirky. At the time you thought of them were you drinking strangely-coloured tea?

Author Tony: No, normal coloured tea, the sugar was very powdery though.

Elias: Would you like some tips on growing cabbages?

Author Tony: No, but thank you. If you have any ideas on how to kill a holly bush I would be most appreciative though 

Elias: What else do you do besides writing children's literature and plotting the demise of various tyrannical leaders?

Author Tony: I am currently writing a historical fiction novel for adults. There will definitely be some tyrannical leaders in there.

Elias: Have you ever considered growing a moustache and, if not, is it because you know you'd never grow one as good as mine?

Author Tony: I have a moustache and if you want to compete with me, I am up for the challenge!!!

Elias: Which children's book do you wish you'd have written? I would quite understand if it was one of mine.

Author Tony: My favourite book as a child was ‘Matilda’ by Roald Dahl. I read it more times than I can remember. To tell you the truth, if I had written any of Dahl’s stories I would be amazingly happy and proud.

Elias: The Cloud Diary is a very touching and tender story about how a child deals with the loss of a parent. I can completely empathise with the child as I recently lost a very dear friend, my pet slug Steve. Steve was accidentally mowed down by a lawn mower that I happened to be operating. His death wasn't intentional. Would you have any words of comfort for me and any others out there?

Author Tony: I can understand your pain but unfortunately slug-therapy is something with which I have no experience. Now if you’d have said a snail…

Elias: Apart from a book about cabbage throwing you and I might collaborate on, any other books in the pipeline?

Author Tony: My new kiddies picture book, ‘Super Fred’ will be out shortly before Christmas. The paperback version of ‘The Cloud Diary’ should be on sale in the next few days. I also have an adult noir novella, ‘Dick’, which will be released as an eBook early in the new year.

Thank you, Author Tony. And if I ever need a kidney, I shall be sure to give you a call.

Hugo - A Quest for King Borin (The Hooded One)
The castle of Queen Ennet is under attack by a mysterious enemy known only as The Hooded One. The Queen hears of a spell which will protect her lands against the incoming army of trolls, goblins and ogres. She sends word to the realm of King Borin, only to find that he is allied to The Hooded One.

Who is The Hooded One? Why has King Borin sided with him and declared war on Queen Ennet?

Who is the young knight who has been sent alone towards the Queens realm and how will he get across The Wasteland’s?

This story, aimed at children between 7 and 13, follows Hugo, the young knight as he makes his way across many miles, meeting fantastic creatures and facing treacherous challenges towards the realms of Queen Ennet. What will he find when he arrives and how will he survive his final and most dangerous challenge?

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The Cloud Diary
The Cloud Diary - a short story dealing with a small child's loss of a parent.

50% of all profits made will be going to Winston's Wish.

Winston’s Wish now in its 20th anniversary year helps children rebuild their lives after the death of a parent or sibling, enabling them to face the future with confidence and hope. We are the largest provider of childhood bereavement services in the UK and offer the widest range of practical support and guidance to children, families, professionals and anyone concerned about a bereaved child. We know from experience that the right support offered at the right time can have a life-changing impact on bereaved children and young people. 

For more information please visit www.winstonswish.org.uk Helpline number 08452 03 04 05

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