FIRST IMPRESSIONS: LIZ PICHON
What are you working on at the moment?
Tom Gates book eight is slowly taking shape. I’ve roped my husband into writing and producing music for the bands in the stories, too. I always wanted lots of other creative things to be part of the Tom Gates world right from the beginning – it’s exciting.
When were you at your happiest?
I’m having the best time right now, thanks.
What is your greatest fear?
Offal and heights. I try not to worry about the stuff that’s really scary.
What is your earliest memory?
Being bathed in the kitchen sink, which was freezing if you lent up against it.
What do you dislike about yourself?
I spend far too much time faffing – then I get cross with myself for not getting things done. I have horrible, weak teeth, too.
Who has been your greatest influence?
I write about my dad a lot, who was quite a character. And my husband is also the most thoughtful and kind person I know.
What is your most treasured possession?
The family photo albums.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
Meanness.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I wish I had better posture. I’m a bit hunched over these days.
What is your favourite book?
The Twits by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake.
What is your favourite film?
I have three – Splash, Spartacus (the scene at the end always gets me) and The Shawshank Redemption.
And your favourite piece of music?
The album Talking Book by Stevie Wonder. You can listen to the whole record and every track is brilliant and it still sounds amazing.
What is your favourite meal?
The tea, toast and jam I was given after I’d had both my daughters. Every mouthful tasted unbelievably delicious.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
David Niven, Clive James, Tina Fey, Jane Fonda, Caitlin Moran, Graham Norton – I’d never get a word in edgeways but it would be a blast.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has ever said to you?
‘Male or female?’ At passport control in New York. People in the queue behind me laughed.
Do you believe in aliens?
I hope they exist. Though they might not have smiley faces like the ones I draw in books. It seems unlikely we’re the only ones wafting around the universe, doesn’t it?
What is your secret vice?
It’s never a good sign if I have a brandy.
Do you write thank-you notes?
Yes – for something special. But most of the time it’s a text or email. It’s important to say thank you.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
‘Where’s my…?’ I’m constantly losing things.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Better memory.
Can you tell us one thing people might not know about you?
I used to design album covers for bands. One huge rock band (in size, not popularity) got so drunk at their photo session they mostly laughed and rolled on the fl oor. I had about two good photos to mock up the cover from. The band sent back my ideas in an envelope via their manager. He tipped a pile of ashes onto my desk and said they’d burnt the lot. (We got there in the end.)
What would you like your epitaph to read?
‘Thanks to everyone – I had a BRILLIANT time’.
Liz will be appearing at Book It! The Festival For Families And Young Adults, part of The Cheltenham Literature Festival, 3 to 12 October: 0844-880 8094, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com
Tom Gates book eight is slowly taking shape. I’ve roped my husband into writing and producing music for the bands in the stories, too. I always wanted lots of other creative things to be part of the Tom Gates world right from the beginning – it’s exciting.
When were you at your happiest?
I’m having the best time right now, thanks.
What is your greatest fear?
Offal and heights. I try not to worry about the stuff that’s really scary.
What is your earliest memory?
Being bathed in the kitchen sink, which was freezing if you lent up against it.
What do you dislike about yourself?
I spend far too much time faffing – then I get cross with myself for not getting things done. I have horrible, weak teeth, too.
Who has been your greatest influence?
I write about my dad a lot, who was quite a character. And my husband is also the most thoughtful and kind person I know.
What is your most treasured possession?
The family photo albums.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
Meanness.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I wish I had better posture. I’m a bit hunched over these days.
What is your favourite book?
The Twits by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake.
What is your favourite film?
I have three – Splash, Spartacus (the scene at the end always gets me) and The Shawshank Redemption.
And your favourite piece of music?
The album Talking Book by Stevie Wonder. You can listen to the whole record and every track is brilliant and it still sounds amazing.
What is your favourite meal?
The tea, toast and jam I was given after I’d had both my daughters. Every mouthful tasted unbelievably delicious.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
David Niven, Clive James, Tina Fey, Jane Fonda, Caitlin Moran, Graham Norton – I’d never get a word in edgeways but it would be a blast.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has ever said to you?
‘Male or female?’ At passport control in New York. People in the queue behind me laughed.
Do you believe in aliens?
I hope they exist. Though they might not have smiley faces like the ones I draw in books. It seems unlikely we’re the only ones wafting around the universe, doesn’t it?
What is your secret vice?
It’s never a good sign if I have a brandy.
Do you write thank-you notes?
Yes – for something special. But most of the time it’s a text or email. It’s important to say thank you.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
‘Where’s my…?’ I’m constantly losing things.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Better memory.
Can you tell us one thing people might not know about you?
I used to design album covers for bands. One huge rock band (in size, not popularity) got so drunk at their photo session they mostly laughed and rolled on the fl oor. I had about two good photos to mock up the cover from. The band sent back my ideas in an envelope via their manager. He tipped a pile of ashes onto my desk and said they’d burnt the lot. (We got there in the end.)
What would you like your epitaph to read?
‘Thanks to everyone – I had a BRILLIANT time’.
Liz will be appearing at Book It! The Festival For Families And Young Adults, part of The Cheltenham Literature Festival, 3 to 12 October: 0844-880 8094, www.cheltenhamfestivals.com