Eric Wilson

Renee, 11
St. Patrick Catholic School
Ottawa, Ontario

Biography:

Eric Wilson was born in Ottawa on November 24, 1940. Eric & Flo were married on May 1, 1999 in Niagara Falls. Eric and Flo live in Victoria so that is probably why his latest book takes place there. Eric really enjoys children, he has even visited a few schools. Just for a fun fact Eric loves cats!! Eric has written 21 books and he likes them all the same amount . Eric writes mystery/adventure books. Eric was a grade eight teacher at one point. The main characters in Eric's books are either Liz Austen or Tom Austen sometimes even both! Though these characters are imaginary, Eric says they seem real to him. Eric is a successful mystery writer for children of all ages. He sold almost one million books in Canada alone.

Why he became a writer:

As a grade 8 teacher in White Rock, B.C. Eric wanted his students to have an interest in books so he wrote two pages a day after school for many months until he'd completed a  book called "FAT BOY SPEEDING." Eric's students really hated any type of books, but when he read them his story they all seemed to enjoy it. Eric figured he had written a great book, but he hadn't bothered to plan the story so publishers weren't interested in it. Eric kept trying new books without success until he came up with a imaginary boy detective (Tom Austen) who faces murder while traveling through Canada by train.

He was not well-known as a writer for many years but kids spread the word and now lots of people read his books about the adventures of Liz or Tom Austen.

Types of books:

Eric writes mystery and adventure books for children of all ages. There are tons of surprises in Eric's books, you never know who the bad guy or girl is. If you like mystery books Eric is the right author for you.

 

Sources: www.tvdsb.on.ca/charles/authorsguide.htm
Allison Gertridge "Meet Canadian Authors and Illustrators"
Photo: www.ericwilson.com