An Interview with Anthony Horowitz

 Anthony Horowitz: The Polymath

You may recognise his work, but not necessarily know much about him... This is Anthony Horowitz, the man behind the hugely popular Alex Rider, Foyle's War, Sherlock Holmes and lots of your favourite TV shows and films, like Foyle's War, Poirot and Stormbreaker. In fact, his work spans so many different media platforms that he considers himself a born polymath.

As a man with over 40 books under his belt, as well as a number of other applauded works, we were lucky to grab the opportunity to ask him a few questions ourselves, about him, about his work and what the future holds for Mr Horowitz. 

What initially inspired you to pursue writing? And at what point did you realise it was something you wanted to do for a living?
I knew with absolute certainty that I wanted to be a writer when I was about nine years old. Stuck in a fairly dismal North London boarding school, I found I was only really happy reading books and telling stories…I used to tell the other boys stories at night, in the dormitory. Also, I was no good at anything else. It was writing or nothing!
 
What is the one book you would take with you if you were stuck on a desert island?
I was actually asked this question on Desert Island Discs, the famous BBC radio show. My answer was a French dictionary. I’d want to use the time to learn, to improve myself – so it wouldn’t be a work of fiction. Right now I’m learning Greek so I’d choose a Greek dictionary.

Having written both children’s and adult books, which would you say you enjoyed most?
I enjoy them equally. I love writing and bring the same enthusiasm and commitment to everything I do. Perhaps I value the children’s books more – but only because I’m now meeting many young people who grew up with them and I’m quite proud to have been a part of their lives.

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What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?
I’m asked this often and my advice never changes. 1) Read. Read lots. The more you read, the better you write. 2) Get out, have fun, experience life. You need something to write about. 3) Enjoy your writing. If you’re not enjoying it, something has gone wrong. 4) Above all, believe in yourself. Don’t give up. You will succeed.
 
Having one of your books (Stormbreaker) turn into a movie must have been a surreal experience for you, how did you find the whole experience?
Surreal wasn’t the word I’d use. It was exciting, challenging, brilliant, depressing and confusing at different times. I think the film was a near miss. It had lots of good things in it – I though Alex Pettyfer was a great Alex Rider – but it somehow didn’t set the world on fire. But that’s film for you. You’re never in control. You never know how it’s going to turn out.
 
With books, movies, TV shows and musicals in your list of works which would you say you enjoy most?
I’ve already answered this, really. I love working on TV shows – I’ve just done a new series called NEW BLOOD for the BBC and I couldn’t be more excited. I love collaborating…in comparison, writing novels is such a long and lonely business. But when I sit down at my desk, I feel the same about all my writing…even this questionnaire!
 
What would you say the highlight of your career has been so far?
That’s an interesting question. To be honest, I’m still looking forward to the highlight. I’m hoping the best is still to come. Getting an OBE for services to literature was quite fun though. That rates quite high. And so does your next question…
 
Being chosen to write a James Bond novel must have been quite an honor, how did that feel?
Well, I’ve been an Ian Fleming fan all my life and being asked to write a Bond novel is up there with the OBE! I was fairly confident I could do a good job (I wouldn’t have done it otherwise) and I’m really glad that TRIGGER MORTIS went down so well with readers who love Fleming’s work.

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What is next for Anthony Horowitz?
I’ve just finished a new novel – MAGPIE MURDERS – which will be out later this year. NEW BLOOD will also be on television soon. I’m writing a series, COLLISION, for American TV. There’s going to be a collection of ALEX RIDER short stories. And (you’re the first to hear this) there’s going to be a surprise announcement in the book world soon but unfortunately my lips are sealed. I’m busy!
 
Our readers are mainly expatriates… If you could move anywhere in the world to live where would it be and why?
I’m very comfortable in London. I could be working in Los Angeles for six months this year. But if I wanted to move somewhere permanently, it would be Agios Nikolaos in the Greek island of Crete. It’s a lovely place and I’m always happy there.

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