Ian Hills - author

Ian Hills was born in Woking and has been fortunate enough to carve out a fairly fun-filled career as a food and drinks marketer. His first book, The Toxic Toadburger Conspiracy, is aimed at children and young adults and looks at the evils of junk food marketing in an entertaining way.

What memories do you have of reading when you were a child?
First vivid book memory was sitting under a weeping willow at school listening to a teacher reading The Hobbit (James & The Giant peach is another favourite memory)

Is there a reason that you chose to write books or poems for children rather than adults?
I have two boys of my own (Ollie & Josh) - as a food & drinks marketer I've worked on a number of children's orientated brands - their leaning towards full-throttle escapism appeals to me

What would you say to a reluctant male reader of any age?
Nothing fuels the imagination like a good book - in no other entertainment sphere will you find so much variety

What do you read with your children?
Roald Dahl is king in the Hills household although I am itching to read my oldest some Artemis Fowl in the next year or so

Why do you think reading is fundamental?
Reading is brain boggling exploration for young minds, the ultimate armchair adventure

Where and when do you like to read?
Night time, holidays and mind-numbing train journeys

Why do you think reading is fun?
Because your interpretation will be different from anyone else's Your imagination doesn't come with a set of rules

Do you ever use your friends/family as models for characters in your books/poems? If so, do you tell them?
Always - The Toxic Toadburger Conspiracy is full of characters loosely based on friends and family (really helps my writing and gives me a few extra chuckles along the way)

If you weren't an author, what would you be?
Food marketer (as I am) - alas awaiting my real breakthrough to become a full time scribe.)

What book/poem, or author/poet, has been most influential upon your writing?
Hitch Hikers Guide To The Galaxy - inspired!

What advice would you give to a child who was interested in becoming an author/poet?
You're never too young to foster a brilliant idea - Read loads (I wish I was better read, although I am working hard to catch up.)

Did you have another career before you became an author/poet?
Still am a part-time food & drinks marketer

What was the strangest place you ever stopped to read a book?
Dodgy train toilet on its way into Colombo (families on top of roof)

And finally.Marmite: friend or foe?
Devil's work

Visit the Toxic Toad website

Bibliography: The Toxic Toadburger Conspiracy