A pithy and not particularly revealing interview with the author of the desperately depressing Series of Unfortunate Events books.
How did you start writing A Series of Unfortunate Events?
For various personal and legal reasons, I began researching the terrible
things that happened to the three Baudelaire children following the death of
their parents. The good people at HarperCollins offered to publish my findings,
both as cautionary tales and for the general good. Did your own childhood
inspire aspects or events in your books? What happened to me in my childhood in
no way resembles what has happened to the Baudelaire orphans. When I was very
young, however, I was taught the power of the written word and the importance of
exposing evil wherever I found it, which are two of my highest guiding
principles.
Did your own childhood inspire aspects or events in your books?
What happened to me in my childhood in no way resembles what has happened to the
Baudelaire orphans. When I was very young, however, I was taught the power of
the written word and the importance of exposing evil wherever I found it, which
are two of my highest guiding principles.
What were some of your hobbies as a child?
Taxidermy and playing the harpsichord.
How do young people respond to your books?
People, young and old, have responded to my books with a mixture of shock,
horror, melancholy, resignation, and enthusiasm.
What was your favorite book as a child?
Dino Buzzati’s The Bears’ Famous Invasion of Sicily.
What advice do you give to children who want to be writers?
Avoid wearing squeaky shoes when listening at keyholes.
What do you do to prepare to write?
I look at the only photograph I have of my beloved Beatrice, and I say to
myself: If you do not write these books, her wrongful death will go unpunished.
Are you a real person?
Of course. Aren’t you?
Unless otherwise stated, this interview was conducted at the time the book was first published, and is reproduced with permission of the publisher. This interview may not be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the copyright holder.
Philip 'Beardy' Ardagh is the award-winning author of the Eddie Dickens adventures, currently available in over 30 languages. He wrote BBC Radio's first truly interactive radio drama, collaborated with Sir Paul... (more)
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