Five Minutes With Emer Stamp

Posted on 2 December 2014

We spent five minutes with The Unbelievable Top Secret Diary of Pig author Emer Stamp to chat about her favourite books as a child, where she writes, why she loves being a children’s author and her favourite thing about pigs. Emer’s latest book, The Super Amazing Adventures of Me, Pig is out now.

When did you first get the idea for Pig?

The idea came to me in the middle of the night. The words ‘pig’ and ‘Pluto’ sprang into my head. I think it’s because they both start with ‘p’.

When did you first draw Pig?

I first drew Pig four years ago. My first picture of him looked like this. I drew him hundreds of times and slowly he turned into the Pig we know now.

What was your favourite book as a child?

It would have to be a toss-up between: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett (I still dream of finding a secret garden or room in my house), Danny the Champion of the World or The Witches , both by Roald Dahl.

Where do you write?

Anywhere I can find a table. I wrote most of my first book at my kitchen table; the second in local cafes close to my house. Who knows where I will write the third!

Do you have a favourite time of day to write?

I don’t really have a favourite time of day. I write best when I am on my own and have nothing, or no-one, to distract me. I am VERY distractable.

What’s your favourite thing about being a children’s author?

Children have the most amazing imaginations. Being a children’s author allows me to write crazy things and my audience not think I am mad.

What’s your favourite thing about pigs?

Pigs always have this cheeky look on their face like they are about to laugh.

What piece of advice would you give to aspiring authors and illustrators?

If you want to be an author or illustrator, just do it. My art teacher discouraged me from pursuing a career in art. My English teacher would have laughed if I had told him one day I would be an author.

The Super Amazing Adventures of Me, Pig is now available.

If you are ordering to a school address, please place your order by 11th December 2014 in order to get your books delivered in time for Christmas. If you are ordering to a home address, then please place your order by 16th December 2014.