Well, another edition of the Zone means another great author interview and this time I met Joshua Doder, author of A Dog called Grk! He came to visit Honiton Library and meet Class 2 of Offwell School. As you'll be able to tell from my brilliant interview, he's a pretty cool guy........see what you think!

Hello Joshua. You’ve travelled to sunny Devon today but where do you live?

I live in London.

How do you get around when you are there?

I travel around on a scooter, a blue Vespa, although I do go on the tube when it’s raining. I also have a red car and black bicycle.

When did you first start writing?

I started writing when I was about 7 years old.

I’ve discussed Grk with my friends and we all pronounce his name differently. How do you say his name?

I pronounce Grk to rhyme with book.

Thanks for that. Does it mean anything?

I actually stole the name from a bottle of Croatian wine.

How many Grk books have you written? I really enjoyed the first one.

I’m glad you liked it M@x. The 2nd book is out now, called Grk and the Pelotti Gang. There will be at least 6 books about him, each one set in a different  country. I’m writing the 3rd one now which is set in Italy. I’m also researching a short history of the pizza.

What does that involve?

Well, it means I have to eat lots of pizza and learn odd facts.

Where do you get your ideas for your books from?

I get lots of ideas from countries I’ve visited. I’ve been to Brazil every year for the last 3 years. I spent most of my time in Sao Paulo, but I’ve been to Rio, Salvador, Parati and the Iguaca falls as well.

If Grk could talk, what do you think he’d have to say about his adventures so far and where do you think he’d like to visit next?

He’d probably say “I’m hungry”. And I think he’d like to visit Argentina, because it’s well known that Argentinean steak is the best on the planet.

My last question, do you have a dog?

Not at the moment. I always have done in the past and hopefully will have again soon.