Where did the concept of the space travelers first come from?
Walker: The original story for ST was actually a very short play (I am a playwright as well with over 30 published plays )written for people with reading problems- hence it needed to be simple and interesting. Several years later I found the original play and decided to write a 5,000 word story. I sent this off to BBB (the publisher) who liked it but asked for a book the length of a Harry Potter! I wrote a 115,000 word book. (the size of the first HP) The publisher then cut it in half, so there is a sequel already written.

You mention the beginning of the book that there is a ‘real’ Elliot. Are all of the characters in the book based on real people?
Walker: Yes, there is a real Elliot but I haven’t actually met him (which kind of ruins the story). Elliot is the son of one of the people who worked for me when I was a Manager. At the time I had written only the first chapter. Knowing his name I changed the characters name to "Elliot". I got back favourable comments from him, which encouraged me to the rest of the book and keep "Elliot" as the hero.

Who is your own personal favourite?
Walker: I suppose Elliot, but I like Astrid too and all the others. They are very different characters. There are also three villains in the tales.

Do you find writing for children more rewarding that writing for adults?
Walker: Yes. I have written for adults. The first books I wrote were adult books. In fact one was almost considered a philosophy! My first book published, THE ICE SUNSET is an adult book.

I do seem at home with the books for children and in the last two years have written over 20 stories (as well as ST). Some new books will be published this year.

Is it important that your books carry basic positive messages and morals, such as the dangers of global warming and of gambling? Do you see yourself as, in some way, teaching through enjoyment?
Walker: I guess there is a moral in the story. One of the readers picked this up recently; particularly with regard to global warming. (there is also an animal rescue story in part 2). Obviously the first aim is to be entertaining, but I do try to convey moral values etc, without being preachy. I also use comedy a lot.

Do you plan to base all of the stories in the series in Britain?
Walker: No. There is a story in the first book based on the planet Valpon. In the sequel, the travelers do visit other planets. The Earth stories are in Britain. In Part 2 they enter the London Marathon and go back to Buckingham Palace. There is no reason they shouldn’t go elsewhere.

How important do you believe the illustrations to be to the book?
Walker: The book cover sells the book. I am delighted with Rama’s work and this has greatly improved the chances of sales. I did a book signing at a school and as soon as the kids had seen the book and heard the first chapter they were keen to buy. About a third of the school bought the book. If it can be displayed, I believe it will sell.