Christopher Russell
Hi everyone, this is where you can see questions and answers that have been put to me over the years. If you have a question or comment, please fill in the form at the bottom of this page and I'll answer as soon as I can.
Thank you...
...to Ros, it's great to hear that Through the Dragon's Eye still excites children after all these years!
...and to Jane Russmasson, I'm glad you've enjoyed my books, hope you like Scarper Jack too.
What's in a name?
In answer to your question, E Brind, I did know that some people have Brind as a family name but chose it for my hero just because I liked the sound of it. I do hope you enjoy the book, I'd love to hear what you think of it.
I've been asked where the story Brind and the Dogs of War is set.
Well, I imagined Brind's home, Dowe Manor, to be in Sussex, in the South of England. When Brind and the dogs are taken to Northern France with the English army, they travel through what is now called Normandy. The Battle of Crecy, in which I imagined Brind and the dogs being forced to fight, was a very real event in the year 1346. The next Brind book, Plague Sorcerer, is set entirely in Sussex, and describes how another real event, the Black Death, swept across England in 1348.
This note is for Gavin in France.
I'm really pleased you think Brind and the Dogs of War is "cool". Thank you for writing. Did you read it in English or French, I wonder? It would be great to hear from more of you who have read it in French or Italian. Though I can't promise to reply in either of those beautiful languages. It would be good to hear from readers in the USA too. I know you're out there. For the next novel I've moved forward in history to Victorian London. That's the great thing about history stories. You can be who you like, where you like, when you like. It will be published early next year. So watch out for Scarper Jack. He's no ordinary chimney sweep.
To Bob Rankin, who road tests books before buying them for his nieces and nephews.
Thanks for your kind words, Bob. I agree that a good read is a good read no matter how young or how old you are. And whilst not wanting to sound big headed, it's been great that so many adults have enjoyed both Brind books.
When were you born?
I don't know who asked that, you didn't leave your name. But the answer is: Nineteen hundred and fast asleep when Big Ben was a wristwatch. OK, the real answer is 1947.
Where do you get your ideas from?
Hardest question for any writer. Thinking, reading, watching, listening. More thinking.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a writer when they grow up?
Don't wait until you grow up.
What would you be if you weren't a writer?
A postman, or possibly a gardener. Something in the open air.