Pete Bailey - Interview (September 2026)
Q: What was your best author school visit, and why?
All the schools have been great but Chewton Mendip Primary school was one that I remember very well.. There was a great atmosphere and all the children were so keen to get involved in my workshops. I was able to have one to one chats with children about their interests while the others worked on their drawings.
Q: What visual artist has influenced you the most?
I'd say Ralph Steadman as an illustrator, his loose and irreverent style is something to which I aspire. Though perhaps a little toned down for a junior audience.
Q: Before becoming a children's author, you spent many years working in graphics. What was the best thing about making that switch?
The best things about making the switch is the freedom to follow my own path, rely on my creativity as a writer and rekindle my ability as an illustrator.
Q: When creating your first book, which came first - the pictures or the story?
Definitely the story, it’s the bedrock. Though as I write I always have a very clear idea of how the characters will look and act.
Q: Lexie is at the heart of Keeper of the Earth. Did any real people help inspire her character?
No not really, she’s an amalgam of strong young personalities but with all the usual human frailties thrown into the mix.
Q: If you could spend a day with any of your characters, who would you choose and what would you get up to together?
It would be Dirk, he’s full of crazy stories about his alien adventures and quite a few secrets as well. I get him to take me to his home planet of Dirthbar and show me around.
Q: Can you remember the moment when you first realised you wanted to work in a creative industry?
I was probably about 8 years old when I realised that teachers and other children loved my drawings at school. When I attended art college I knew it was film and television for me and eventually I got into computer graphics and animation.
Q: Many authors were inspired by a favourite childhood book. Which stories fired your imagination when you were young?
It may be hard to believe but as a child I wasn't a big reader. I was more into TV shows like Captain Scarlet and U.F.O. That’s where my love of sci-fi stories began.
Q: Apart from reading, writing and drawing, what hobbies do you have?
I’m very into music, guitar, drums and singing mainly. I’m also part of a men’s choir. I once performed on the BBC’s Last Choir Standing series, we came 4th in the competition.
Q: Where did you grow up, and what impact did that have on you?
I grew up on The Gold Coast in Australia. It definitely shaped the adult I have become. My school there allowed me to develop my talents in art and music and taught me the high value of friendship.
Q: What advice would you have for someone struggling to get good grades at school?
Everyone is good at something. Concentrate on what you love, because usually that’s what you're best at. Always have faith in your abilities no matter what they are because ultimately they will stand you in good stead for the future.
Q: Imagine meeting your younger self, what advice would you give him? And what are you working on next?
Have more confidence in everything you do. You are always better than you think. I’m currently working on the sequel to Keeper of the Earth, Light in the Shadows and possibly even a third book to make up a trilogy. I’m also busy visiting schools as an author/illustrator and hopefully inspiring children to read and even write and illustrate their own stories.