| VIAL,
Claire is a photographer, author and zoologist.
Claire
Vial was born in Auckland. She has a B.Sc in zoology
from Auckland University. After graduating Vial spent
four years volunteering for wildlife organisations in
Southern Africa. During this time she conducted her
own wildlife research, worked as a conservation
volunteer and assisted in wildlife research projects.
Since
returning to live in New Zealand she has led several
wildlife safaris back to Botswana, Namibia and
Zimbabwe.
Vial
has co-authored and supplied photography for forty
non-fiction children’s educational books.
These books include the Longman World of Animals
(twenty titles), Longman World of Reptiles and
Amphibians (ten titles) and Longman World of
Invertebrates (ten titles).
Vial
comments that “writing these books has given me the
opportunity to reveal the magic, curiosity and beauty
I have found in some of the world’s best-loved
wildlife.”
She
is currently researching for a series of books on
birds, and also hopes to do a series on plants.
Claire
Vial lives in Auckland and participates in the Writers
in Schools Programme.
FS
KAPAI
Kids' Authors' Picture and Information
A
few general questions for Claire Vial
Where
do you live?
I live on the North Shore in Auckland.
What
books do you read?
Mostly non-fiction. I like to read natural history
books and magazines, such as National Geographic.
I also like to read children’s fiction and
non-fiction books.
Who
is your favourite author?
Some of my favourite authors include Roald Dahl,
Caroline Arnold, David Attenborough, Joy Cowley,
Pauline Cartwright, James Herriot, J.K.Rowling etc
How
do you think up your ideas?
Most of my ideas originate from past zoology
research, and the animals I have encountered in
Africa.
What
is the best thing about being an author?
The best thing about being an author is being able to
choose your own topic to write about. I enjoy using my
creativity and imagination to produce a book that will
excite readers. I also enjoy travelling to places to
photograph animals for the books!
Primary
School Students
What
sort of pets do you have?
I used to have a couple of cats, but now have two
fish!
What
is your favourite colour/food/movie/game?
My favourite colour is Emerald because it’s a bright
‘earthly’ colour.
My favourite food is fish.
My favourite movie is ‘Out of Africa”
My favourite game is hockey.
What
is the most fun thing about being an author?
The best thing about being an author is writing books
about animals’ children will enjoy. The next best
thing is to know that children throughout America,
Australia and New Zealand have read my books, and have
really enjoyed them!
How
do you make books?
I don’t actually make the books. I provide the text
and photographs. The publisher then designs, produces
and distributes the books.
Where
do you go for your holidays?
I go to Ngunagru, which is a little bay east of
Whangerai.
What
is the naughtiest thing you ever did at school?
That would be telling!
S econdary School Students
How
did I become an author?
My writing and photography career started when I met
Graham Meadows in 1997. At the time I was looking for
a photo library to submit my photography.
Graham
and I submitted a proposal to Dominie Press Inc, an
American publisher, for four children’s books -
Elephants, Lions, Giraffes and Zebras. We chose these
titles because we both had photography to illustrate
the books. Dominie liked the books we produced and
asked us if we could write another 6 titles to
complete a set of 10 books. After completing these 10
titles, Dominie were keen to add more titles to their
series.
How
did I become a photographer?
I became a photographer while I was in Africa. It was
hard not to! I bought myself a good camera. I taught
myself, observed other wildlife photographers, and put
into practice what I saw. It was very much trial and
error.
I
take all my photos on slide film, which means they can
be used for publication.
Who
inspired you when you were getting started?
Natural history authors and photographers, such as
Karen Ross, David Attenborough, Jane Goodall and
Carolyn Arnold.
What
advice would you give an aspiring young writer?
Practice, practice, practice! Be patient, and don’t
give up! The more you practice, the easier it will
become. Use a book, or computer to write down your
thoughts and ideas. Keep a journal. Read, learn and
research the subject you want to write about.
Is
it difficult to make a living writing in New Zealand?
Yes, especially if your market is New Zealand. We have
a very small population so it is best to write for
overseas publishers where the audience is larger. My
books are sold in America, Australia and New Zealand.
Only a select number of authors manage to make a full
time living!
What
were you like as a teenager?
I was a tomboy! I loved being outside in open spaces,
playing sports, tramping etc. I was also very shy and
studied hard at school.
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