Q&A with James

James, what are your books are about?
The books are about confronting our own inner demons as we struggle through life.

What message would you like people to understand from the book?
There’s always light at the end of the tunnel. Something good will be there when you get past the bad. Don’t give up, keep persisting to find peace within yourself.

How would you describe yourself and your animation goals?
I have autism which makes my brain process written information very slowly, and that means it takes a long time for me to write my stories. I am stubborn, which helps me to persist with writing the books and reaching my goals, but I do find the process frustrating.

I want to learn to animate to create content for games, or a show, to get my message out in different formats. I think animation would be a fun way to tell my stories.

What ideas do you have for the animated game?
The game will be about a post-apocalyptic damaged earth renewing and coming back to life. It will be in the Anime style and there will be Demons, Angels, mythical creatures and spirits along the journey.

How did you cope with going to school?

I didn’t want the other kids to bully me, so I tried to be normal and not stand out. I wanted to stay as calm as possible so I could get through the day, because going to school made me annoyed.

What was the hardest thing about school?

The learning and the rules were the hardest things about school. Sometimes I got really frustrated and had to take a break and go for a walk.

Was there anything that made school a bit easier?

I did get to see my friends, and I could take time out in the Library. I also had a favourite place in the school yard where I felt safe.

You started writing the first book as an English assignment, how did it feel to be writing the book? Was it different to doing other work at school?

It was much easier to write the book, because I could have fun writing exactly what I wanted.

What advice would you give to other children who have autism and are finding school hard?

• Take things one step at a time.
• Don’t be afraid to fail.
• Learn from your mistakes and try again.
• If you need to take a break, do it. Get some fresh air to clear your head.
• Work at your own pace.
• Keep an open mind and think outside the box when you need to.
• School doesn’t last forever, one day you’ll be free!