Where does David Almond live now?
Newcastle upon Tyne
Almond now lives in Newcastle upon Tyne. He has a daughter, Freya.
Where was David Almond born?
Newcastle upon Tyne, United KingdomDavid Almond / Place of birth
Does David Almond have a pet?
Things you didn’t know about David Almond I have a pet rabbit called Bill who can grunt. I dream about football – and kick in my sleep!
How did David Almond become an author?
I wrote short stories at the weekends and during the holidays, and started to get my work published in little magazines. As I approached thirty, I gave it all up, resigned from my job, sold my house and lived in a Norfolk commune for a year and kept on writing, writing, writing.
What did David Almond study?
I went to primary schools in Felling and Sunderland – both of which I liked. I went to grammar school in Hebburn – which I disliked. To the surprise of some people (e.g. a few teachers and especially my headmaster) I went on to the University of East Anglia and did a degree in English and American Literature.
How old is Michael in Skellig?
10-year-old
Plot. 10-year-old Michael and his family have recently moved into a house. He and his parents are nervous, as his new baby sister was born earlier than expected and may not live because of a heart condition.
What was David Almond first book?
Sleepless Nights
His first book, Sleepless Nights, a collection of short stories for adults, was published in 1985 and was followed in 1997 by a second volume, A Kind of Heaven.
How is David Almond influenced by William Blake?
I’m surprised myself because when I wrote Skellig, I never expected to be influenced so powerfully by Blake. I went back and read Songs of Innocence and Experience again and rediscovered them and loved their apparent lightness and clarity. They have a deep mystery and I love the fact that Blake illustrates his work.
How did Monks survive on Skellig Michael?
The monks of St Fionan. These Skelligs monks led very simple lives out here in the wild Atlantic, living in stone beehive shaped huts. Although the huts were round-shaped on the outside, they were rectangular on the inside. They were carefully built to prevent a single drop of rain from penetrating their interior.
Who built Skellig Michael?
The first definite reference to monastic activity on the island is a record of the death of “Suibhini of Skelig” dating from the 8th century; however, Fionán is claimed to have founded the monastery in the 6th century. The Annals of the Four Masters detail events at the Skelligs between the 9th and 11th centuries.
What influenced David Almond to write Skellig?
The words were writing me. I could see that it drew on my own childhood, my own life. I lost a baby sister when I was a boy. My mother had terrible arthritis, just as the creature has.
Is there a toilet on Skellig Michael?
There are no toilet facilities on Skellig Michael. Nor are there toilets on the boats that bring you there. Please bear in mind that you will be away from the mainland – and all toilet facilities – for around 6 hours.