Podkin has been out in the world for almost 10 years now, probably with you longer! How are you feeling about farewelling the world and its inhabitants?
Even though I had planned out the ending years ago, it surprised me how hard it was to write! I really didn’t want to say goodbye to those characters who have been with me every day for a decade, and now there is a big Podkin-shaped hole in my life.
What started you off on creating this epic children’s classic and has it gone where you thought it might?
It all began with some sketches of rabbits with swords and shields I had doodled in my notebooks. I thought they would make great characters for a fantasy world. When I wrote the first book, I purposely didn’t plan any more, so when I was asked to develop it into a series it was a nice surprise. I definitely had no idea I would spend the next ten years working on it!
Of all Podkin and his friends’ adventures which was the one child Kieran would most have loved to be a part of, is it the same one adult Kieran would?
Most of Podkin’s adventures have been pretty scary! I think the child me would have loved to sail on a pirate ship and battle sea monsters, whereas now I would be much happier visiting the Forest Wardens in their peaceful woodland home.
