Joseph Delaney
Describe your latest project.
The latest in the Last Apprentice series is Wrath of the Bloodeye. In it, Tom Ward must struggle to cope with a temporary new master, as well as face new threats from the dark in the form of water witches and the daughter of the Fiend, Morwena.
I am currently working on the sixth book in the series, as well as writing The Spook's Bestiary, which will take the form of an illustrated encyclopedia and features all the creatures that Tom Ward and the Spook must face.
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After a victory of sorts over the Fiend and the water witch Greenteeth, Tom, Alice, and the Spook celebrate. However, the dark is still rising, and the Fiend reveals shocking secrets with the potential to derail Tom's apprenticeship. Includes bonus pages of Tom's scrapbook.
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"Delaney grabs readers by the throat and gives them a good shake in a smartly crafted story." Booklist (starred review)
"After readers race through this tantalizingly creepy tale of solitude and sorcery, they will clamor to learn about Tom's future adventures." Publishers Weekly (starred review)
How did the last good book you read end up in your hands?
I was about to go on a book tour of Australia, where I would be on a panel alongside John Flanagan, the author of the Ranger's Apprentice series — so my publishers sent me his book.
I read and enjoyed it, and when we met, we got on very well together. Our books are from the same genre, and we also have quite a lot in common.
What was your favorite story as a child?
My favourite story as a child was Treasure Island. This was probably because it was the first big book I ever read. So I liked pirates, but eventually discovered that I liked fantasy and science fiction more.
What do you do for relaxation?
I like to go for long walks and visit the actual locations that I use in my books. I also enjoy football (soccer) and support a local English football club called Preston North End.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
First of all, I wanted to be a footballer, but wasn't good enough. Later, I wanted to be a rock star, and I actually did play guitar in a band for a few years. Once, I somehow managed to fall off stage, but the band continued to play whilst I dusted myself down. So far, whilst giving talks to readers, I've managed to avoid doing that again!
Why do you write books for kids?
I started out trying to write books for adults, but my agent persuaded me to try the children's market. I'm glad that I did, because it gives me the chance to give talks in schools and libraries where I get lots of positive feedback and encouragement. I like the actual writing of the Last Apprentice books, but it's also great to get out on the road and tour.
Make a question of your own, then answer it.
Q: What is the strangest ghost story you've ever heard?
A: Last week, I was told the following by a children's bookseller:
She visits a house that is haunted and can tell when the ghost enters the room. Sometimes it stands behind her, and recently she was reading one of the Last Apprentice books and sensed that the ghost was reading it over her shoulder! This has happened more than once. Perhaps the ghost needs some tips from the Spook on how to get to the light?
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Joseph Delaney lives with his family in Lancashire, England, in the middle of boggart territory.
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