Interview with Francesca Simon

Did you know that I was originally created by Francesca Simon? She started writing my books many years ago and then I came to life with my own television series, games, toys, clothes, DVDs, music and stage show! CiTV caught up with Francesca and asked her what it's like to write such brilliant books!! And this is what she said...

Hi Francesca! You created Horrid Henry. How does it feel to come up with a character that is SO popular?

Amazing. I never dreamt for a moment that there would be more than one story.

Were you excited when you heard Henry was going to be made into a CITV programme?

Very excited, because I hoped the programme would bring a whole new audience to the books.

Do you like the TV version of Henry?

I love the way it looks, especially Henry's bedroom! Unfortunately, I don't get to see many episodes, but lots of fans write to me tell me how much they love it, which is fab.

Who's your favourite character from the Horrid Henry books and CITV programmes?

That's not fair! Oh all right. Aside from Henry, I like Perfect Peter because no one else does, and Beefy Bert. I also like Moody Margaret because I was bossy like her when I was her age.

You've written tons of Horrid Henry books - have you lost count of how many?!?

Yes. Sometimes I try to add them up in my head but then I get muddled. So far I've written 17 storybooks and 3 jokebooks and then I get confused.

Do you still get excited when a new one is published?

It's always thrilling to see something that was just words on your computer be transformed into a book.

Do you ever feel sorry for the people Horrid Henry tricks and teases?

Good question. No, I don't because they are usually cartoon-horrible, or, like Moody Margaret, can look after themselves.

What's the most horrid thing you've ever done?

When I was five this girl came over to play and she kept squirting me with water. I repeatedly begged her to stop but she wouldn't. So I grabbed her and banged her head against a wall. I got into very big trouble.

When did you start writing?

When I was eight, so you are never too young to start. I wrote little fairy tales.

Why did you decide to become an author?

Because I love to write, and it seemed like an amazing way to make a living.

How do you come up with ideas for characters?

I think of funny adjectives, like 'sour' or 'rude' and match names to them. The characters then always act out their names.

And how do you come up with the funny names for the people in your books?

See above.

Is Horrid Henry based on anyone you know?

No, but I think there's a bit of Henry and Peter inside everyone.

How long does it take to write a Horrid Henry book?

About four months.

What would you do if your own son was like Horrid Henry?!

Resign as his mother.

Do you read a lot of books, or do you prefer to switch off from the world of writing when you're not working?

I love to read, and read all the time.

Thanks Francesca. What's your plan for the rest of the day? Will you be watching Horrid Henry on TV later?

If only. I'll be chauffering my son and his enormous double bass to school for a concert rehearsal.