Trevor Zahra has been writing children’s books and adult fiction, since 1971. His output includes adventure stories, animal fables, humorous accounts, textbooks, poetry and picture books for the very young, four collections of adult short stories and four novels. To date he has over 100 titles to his name. Mr Zahra also illustrates his books and Din L-Art u Kulma Fiha (This Land and all it embraces) was awarded Best Illustrator Prize in 2002. Mr Zahra won the Nation Book Award 10 times, both for his children’s books and adult fiction. In 2004 Mr Zahra was decorated with the Medal for Service to the Republic in recognition of his contribution towards children’s literature.

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How old are you? Star sign and date of birth?

Just turned 60 – junior veteran. Sagittarius. 16 December 1947.

Significant other? Children?

Two children, three grand children, and a

charming partner.

What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?

Exactly what I’m doing now: reading and

writing and having a few laughs on the way.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Spending good time with people I love … and a handy book in case I get bored.

What is your favourite occupation?

I was teacher for 33 years and I don’t regret it.

What is your greatest fear?

Fear!

What is it that you most value in your friends?

Sincerity.

How would you like to die?

While making love… well… a few minutes after it’s over, so that I won’t spoil the fun.

What is your greatest

extravagance?

Changing my car every five years.

What is your greatest regret?

I wish I learnt Spanish when I was young so I could savour Garcia Marquez’s original aroma.

What is your most treasured possession?

My sanity (presuming I still possess it).

Which talent would you most like to have apart from the ones you already have?

Playing the piano better than Liberace.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of

misery?

Ignorance.

Where would you like to live?

In 1800 Malta, when there was still significant countryside around.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Humour (according to my friends).

Who are your heroes/heroines in real life?

People who left their mark in literature: Dickens, Emily Bronte, Carroll, Rushdie, Kundera,

Marquez ... the list is interminable.

What is it that you most dislike?

Smoking, artificial flowers, noise, drivers who never use their

indicator and beer.

What is your motto?

Don’t weep too much over the past. Don’t place your hopes in the future. Enjoy the present.