Simon Adepetun - Interview (September 2025)
Q: What was your best school visit, and why?
Clenchwarton Primary School, it was here I signed the highest number of copies of my book ever!
Q: When engaging with students during school visits, what was the funniest question?
Do you own a private jet? It was an empathetic no!!!
Q: You live in Warrington—what thoughts or memories come to mind when you see the River Mersey?
I wish I could kayak on it.
Q: You’ve mentioned writing at 1am—have you ever dreamt a chapter and woken up to write it down?
Yes, I dreamt of marshmallows coming alive and running after me, so I wrote an adventure story about it.
Q: If you were in charge of a school library, which book would you insist is on the shelves, and why?
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, my favourite childhood book.
Q: You grew-up in Manchester, how did the area impact what you write - either positively or negatively?
My local primary school Manley Park Junior School, the Teachers always encouraged me to use my imagination to be creative. I grew up in Chorlton, there were many trees and houses they helped me build my imagination.
Q: For someone new to Richard Wright’s work, which novel would you recommend they start with—and what makes it a good entry point?
His novel Black Boy which addresses racial issues in a humorous way without losing its intent.
Q: You’ve said a run-down shed inspired The Bee Hive—what became of that shed? Is it still standing?
Yes it is , still stands proudly on the M62.
Q: You’ve studied at university and earned a postgrad in Theatre Studies. What advice would you give to children who struggle with academics or feel school isn’t for them?
I never had the intent to go to university, but when I did, realised it’s a whole different world where I was able to discover my talent and use the platform to lay my creative writing foundation. So focus on what you can do, not what you can’t, you will discover yourself
Q: Do you ever write with a particular reader in mind—perhaps a younger version of yourself, or someone you’ve met?
Yes, I write adventure stories, I use the first person I which helps transport the reader into the story like they are the characters, makes me feel like a child again.
Q: What’s the worst job you’ve ever had—and did it teach you anything useful for your writing?
I once worked with pigs in a piggery, they got quite nasty if I didn’t feed them on time. It taught me always have a plan, for writing and everything else.
Q: Besides reading and writing, what hobbies or passions do you enjoy that might surprise your readers?
I love singing and dancing with my dog but I don’t think he appreciates my high notes
