Eric Walters' young adult novels have won numerous awards, including the Silver Birch, Blue Heron, Red Maple, Snow Willow, and Ruth Schwartz Awards, and have received honours from UNESCO's international award for Literature in the Service of Tolerance. His newest book is Beverly Hills Maasai. For more information please visit his website, http://www.ericwalters.net.

1. How would you summarize your new book in one sentence?

If you only read one book this year . . . you need to read more.

2. How long did it take you to write this book?

It took me around 90 days to write the first draft.

3. How did you choose your characters' names?

This is a sequel so the characters names are from the original book. Alexandria of Africa was chosen because of the city of Alexandria in Africa and Nebala is a Maasai name.

4. How many drafts did you go through?

Five to seven drafts per book but I'm not sure how much with this one.

5. Who was the first person to read your manuscript?

My wife is always the first person to look at all of my books. She edits all aspects of my life . . . and I'm very grateful for that.

6. If your book were to become a movie, who would you like to see star in it?

Anybody except Paris Hilton.

7. What's your favourite city in the world?

Mississauga. My second favouite is London, England or New York City.

8. Did you always want to be a writer?

I wanted to be in the NBA - it hasn't worked out . . . so far.

9. What was your very first story about? When did you write it?

My first book was Stand Your Ground. I wrote that in 1993. Prior to that my only fictional writing was when I was writing report cards for my students.

10. What was your favourite book as a kid?

Owls in The Family by Farley Mowat.



11. If you could be any character from any book, who would you be?

I was a character in my book Ricky - which was based on my life.

12. If there was one book you wish you had written what would it be?

Maniac McGee by Jerry Spinelli

13. If you could talk to any writer living or dead who would it be, and what would you ask?

I think I'd rather talk to a living one because the dead ones wouldn't answer . . . they aren't even composing any more, just decomposing.

14. How do you organize your library?

By gravity. Heavier books fall to the floor.

15. What's on your nightstand right now?

An alarm clock, a lamp, one piece of toast, and the book I'm reading today . . . which is about Banksy and called Wall and Piece.

16. Where is your favorite place to write?

Earth

17. Do you have any writing rituals?

Before writing I walk under a ladder, look for a black cat, and throw salt over my left shoulder.

18. When do you write best, morning or night?

Yes.

19. What is the best gift someone could give a writer?

Time to write, a new computer, gingerbread men, a great story.

20. What is the best advice someone could give a writer?

Experience life, read good writers, do your research and map out your story . . . then walk under a ladder, look for a black cat and throw salt over your left shoulder.