#InterviewByTheme with Robert Vescio

It’s not your imagination… Robert Vescio really is here talking all things Fantasy in today’s interview! Let’s have an adventure! 😛 👑

What is the most imaginative book you’ve ever read?

I grew up reading the Chronicles of Narnia. My absolute all time favourite book is The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. For me, opening a book is very similar to opening a wardrobe. Immediately, you’re being transported to another world. As soon as you open and read through the pages of a book a journey begins regardless if it’s a Comedy, Romance or Sci Fi. Who wouldn’t want to fall through a wardrobe and enter a magical land?

Which Fantasy literature character best represents you? Why?

In keeping with the Narnia theme, I would have to say Peter Pevensie. He might not seem as interesting and complex and well rounded as his brother Edmund but Peter to me remains true to his character and is always calm in the heat of a battle. Peter is responsible and caring and always puts his family first.

Which particular book passage or illustration do you find to be out of this world?

I don’t know about out of this world but I do love ‘Once a king or queen in Narnia, always a king or queen.’ There is nothing better than imaginative play.

Which author/illustrator would you travel through time to meet?

This is a hard one but I would have to say C. S. Lewis. He was a visionary who created an imaginary world where animals talked and had adventures. A brilliant writer of unforgettable characters and places that stir the imagination. I would also travel back in time to meet Roald Dahl – how could you not?

In which literary time and setting would you most like to visit? Why?

The Elizabethan Times – so I can go back and pick William Shakespeare’s brain.

Where do you see yourself in the year 2036?

Hopefully, still writing and collaborating with amazing artists to create memorable picture books for children and adults alike to share.

Favourite literary invention:

The Tardis! How cool would it be to travel through space and time and to be able to help people to solve problems.

Finish this sentence… ‘He mysteriously disappeared into…

The snowy waste, where he discovered a snowmobile sleigh with his name on an envelope attached to it.’ Mmmmmmwwwwahaahahahahah!

Which classic book do you wish you had written?

Yep, you guessed it – The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

What advice would you give to future writers and illustrators?

Persistence is KEY! Don’t ever give up. It all comes down to hard work. If you put in the work, you will see the results.

Thanks heaps, Robert! You’re a classic! 🐯 👸 🚪

Robert Vescio lives in Sydney and is a published children’s author. His picture books include, Barnaby and the Lost Treasure of Bunnyville (Big Sky Publishing), Marlo Can Fly (Wombat Books) listed on the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge for 2015, No Matter Who We’re With (IP Kidz). He has more picture books due out in 2016 and 2017. Many of Robert’s short stories have been published in anthologies such as Packed Lunch, Short and Twisted, Charms Vol 1 and The School Magazine NSW. He has also won awards for his children’s writing. Robert enjoys visiting schools, and is a Books in Homes Role Model. His aim is to enthuse and inspire children to read and write and leave them bursting with imaginative ideas. For more information visit Robert’s website and Facebook page.

#InterviewByTheme