How I write:
Ned Barraud
Ned Barraud is an awardwinning illustrator and author who lives in the misty hills of Karori with his wife and three children.
He studied at the University of Otago and Victoria University, worked at Weta Digital, and has created many non-fiction books for children. Barraud is passionate about wildlife and stoking children’s curiosity about the natural world. His latest books, Backyard Birds and Incredible Journeys, have been published by Potton & Burton in time for Christmas.
Which book do you wish you’d written and why?
Classic picture books from my childhood are what stick with me the most. I would love to write and illustrate something that remains an undying and enduring, multigenerational classic like Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Seuss or The Tiger That Came to Tea by Judith Kerr. Those books have touched the lives of so many and will continue to do so.
Which writer do you turn to when you have writer’s block?
When seeking new inspiration, it’s mostly the library I turn to, rather than a particular author. Recently it’s been the graphic novel section that’s kept me going back for more. I’m completely in awe of what some of those artists/authors can do by combining pictures with words in the most fantastic ways. It is a potent and fairly new form of storytelling. I’m hooked.
I love reading to my kids. If I’m ever asked by another parent to suggest something to read to their kids, then it’s the Wolf Brother series by Michele Paver which is our hit pick. It takes you back in time to the Stone Age, when humans were hunter-gatherers. It’s so well researched and described by the author, you really feel part of that world of our ancestors 10,000 years ago. Also, the super realistic pen and ink drawings are beautiful.
When it comes to a memorable book, what is more important – a great plot or great characters?
I would say characters but also the world they occupy is very important. Often, what stays with me longest is the overall world that’s been created.
I can think of many examples, but Tolkein’s world of Middle Earth is probably the best example of this. The Lord of The Rings films did a lot wrong, but I think they did a wonderful job of recreating his world. The Hobbit films though . . . so terrible; I’m sure Tolkien was rolling in his grave.
What books have made you cry?
I’ve always felt a profound sadness when I read about nature being destroyed to make way for humanity.
This is the theme which gets me sad and mad. Farewell to Shady Glade by Bill Peet is one and another is The Lorax by Dr Seuss.
I remember the story Watership Down by Richard Adams tore me up. These early environment destruction warnings had a big effect on me. It’s why I try to promote nature with my work. If kids care about the natural world, they’ll want to save it, and it really needs saving right now.
What is your guilty-pleasure reading list?
I guess, comic books or graphic novels, although I don’t feel that much guilt as I think they can be as much a work of art as any other genre.
I’ve been reading a brilliant autobiographical comic by a Quebec artist called Michel Rabagliati. He’s done a whole series and the latest is Paul at Home. It’s just normal everyday events, but it’s a window into his world and beautifully illustrated.
Where are you happiest with a book in your hand?
I have a fave spot on our corner-couch, which looks out on the bush-clad hills of Karori, Wellington. It gets bathed in sunlight and protected from that nasty wind. I can hear all the chatter of birdlife outside.
What’s your writing routine?
I’m a morning person. Once the house has emptied out and I’m armed with my first coffee, I can get cracking.
One day I’d like a studio separate from the main house. I can imagine it in my mind and it’s fabulous – think lofty tree house, sea view.
Ned Barraud’s latest books, Backyard Birds and Incredible Journeys, are out now from Potton & Burton Publishers.