Piers Torday

Award-winning writer Piers Torday, known for children's fiction like Midnight Treasure, dives into Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows. He discusses his connection to the book and the intriguing characters like Mole and Ratty. Piers explores the surreal Pan sequence and its mythic, queer interpretations. They analyze the book's historical context and how children's literature has evolved. Lastly, he reflects on exploring emotional truths in fantasy and the importance of retellings for new readers.

Join Piers Torday, an award-winning children’s fiction author, and Tasha Suri, celebrated fantasy writer, as they dive into the art of world-building. They discuss how starting with character can naturally reveal your setting, and the importance of mixing history into your fantasy elements. Tasha encourages writers to embrace imagination and fun, while Piers shares tips on revealing world details gradually to keep readers hooked. They emphasize that the tension between a character's needs and their world enhances storytelling.