Australia’s bestselling children’s author Andy Griffiths will visit the Pioneer Theatre on Wednesday, 21 August, for a sold-out author talk. The author will promote his new series, Adventures Unlimited.
Ahead of his sold out show, we asked Andy a few questions about his writing process, what makes him laugh and much more.
See the interview below:
You’ve been a writer for almost 30 years – can you describe what a typical day of writing looks like for you? Do you have any specific routines, methods, or rituals when it comes to writing?
Andy: I like to start my day early with an hour of circuit training followed by a long breakfast during which I’ll read books, comics and essays. Then I’ll fire up some loud, feel-good music, make a cup of coffee and resume writing whatever book I’m currently working on. It might be generating a first draft or reworking/rewriting chapters that I’ve already written. Some of this rewriting might involve a discussion with Jill—my wife and editor—and once a week I might have a zoom meeting with Adventures Unlimited illustrator Bill Hope and/or my publisher, Claire, to discuss where we’re at with the current book I’m writing or arrangements for a book that’s about to be published.
I’d normally spend from, say, 10–4pm doing this, at which point I’m usually exhausted from making the millions of micro-decisions that creating stories involves and then I might go for a long walk or do some work in the garden. After dinner I like to read a book or watch an inspiring movie or television program.
Your writing is loved by children all over Australia for its unique humour, silliness, and comedy. When do you find yourself laughing the most – who are you with, what are you doing, where are you?
Andy: I laugh pretty easily and often, but probably the most intense laughter I experience is when Jill and I are watching a live comedy show, whether it’s a solo standup comedian or comedy duo/trio exploring the outer limits of extreme nonsense and weapon-grade stupidity.
In this state I feel completely free of all earthbound cares and concerns and blasted into the space of infinite creative freedom, possibilities and pleasure. I’ve been lucky enough to grow up and live in Melbourne which has one of the world’s biggest comedy festivals every year (MIFF) so I’ve been able to see—and learn—from some of the greatest comedians in the world. Over the years, however, local acts Lano & Woodley and Aunty Donna have been responsible for some of my biggest laughs.
You have said before that music is your passion and you love a wide variety of styles. If you had to equate the narrative of your new book Adventures Unlimited: The Land of Lost Things to a genre of music, what would it be? (For example, heavy metal, pop punk, smooth jazz, alternative rock, EDM, etc.)
Andy: Great question! Words and music are all bound up together for me and go together like, well, words and music. A story has to SOUND good as it’s read aloud, and Jill and I spend a lot of time reading the stories aloud to each other and listening carefully for any missed ‘beats’ or ‘off-notes’. So, yeah, okay … if my books were musical genres, The JUST! series would be pure take-no-prisoners punk rock, the Treehouse series would be boundary-pushing new wave, and Adventures Unlimited would be a blend of both with the spirit of The Wizard of Oz soundtrack thrown in for good measure. And if that doesn’t make any sense, well, you’ll just have to trust me—or better still, read it and decide for yourself!
On topic with your new book about lost things, here is a would you rather question: Would you rather lose your house keys once a month or lose your car keys for 15 minutes every single time you need them?
Andy: NEITHER! Looking for lost keys drive me crazy. Even THINKING about looking for lost keys drives me crazy. Now stop bothering me with stupid hypotheticals and leave me alone… I have to go and look for my lost keys.
To read Andy’s bestsellers, including the JUST! And the Treehouse series, visit one of The Hills Shire’s libraries or browse the library catalogue at
