An Interview with Caroline Boxall

For world book day author Caroline Boxall came to speak to Leventhorpe students about her short story of courage competition, and inspiring the Leventhorpe students to write and to persevere (To read more about this read my article here: https://www.levtimes.co.uk/post/a-visit-from-caroline-boxall). I, with many others, joined this competition and took the opportunity to ask some questions and the following interview are these questions. 

1. Where are you from, and how did this impact your writing? 

I grew up in Chorleywood (a lovely place full of trees and muddy adventures), spent some time living in Paris (yes—baguettes, croissants and the Eiffel Tower!), and now I live in Rickmansworth with my family. I’m not sure the places have shaped my writing as much as the people I’ve met and the things I’ve experienced. 

One person who changed everything was my English teacher at school. She believed in me, even when my handwriting was terrible and I kept spelling ‘adventure’ wrong. That little bit of encouragement gave me the confidence to keep writing—and here I am! 

I think all writers are shaped by life: the funny, strange, sad, and brilliant moments. So, if something interesting happens to you, write it down—you never know what story it might become. 

2. What inspired you to go into writing? 

There were two very different moments that got me started. 

The first was something close to home. When my mother-in-law developed dementia, she moved into a care home near us. At first, it was heartbreaking - but it became a place full of stories, kindness, and unexpected laughter. My children would visit, especially my youngest son, and he brought joy to everyone there. The residents became our friends: there was Irish Mary who kept trying to escape, Frank who flew Spitfires, and Basil who smiled all the time and only ever said, “I don’t know.” They were unforgettable. 

That gave me the idea for my first book, It’s Raining in Moscow and I Forgot My Umbrella, about a boy called Billy who lives in a care home surrounded by ‘Oldies’. It’s full of action and mystery, but underneath it’s about respect, love, and seeing the value in every person—no matter how old or forgetful they are. The second book, If I Got Fifty Quid, I could Rescue My Dad was released last year, and the third, set in Southwold, will be out by this summer. 

My second series was inspired by something much further away. I read about the struggles faced by homeless children in India - many of whom live around railway stations - and I was shocked. I wanted to write a story that would help others understand what life is like for these children. 

I got in touch with the Railway Children charity and ended up speaking with its founder, David Maidment. He shared stories from his travels and from the children the charity supports. He also helped me understand what was true and what was just movie-style drama (which I learned doesn't always reflect real life!). With his help, I wrote The Runaway Children of Chennai, and The Secret Children of Mumbai, a series that aims to raise awareness while taking readers on a journey of courage, friendship and hope. 

So that’s how it started: two stories, both inspired by real life—but told with imagination and heart. 

3. How many books have you sold in total? 

Around 6,000 so far, and I’m so grateful for every reader! 

What really makes my day, though, are the messages and reviews I get. One of my favourites said, “I am so impressed by this wonderful series! To say that I enjoyed every page of it would be an understatement.” It’s moments like that that remind me how lucky I am to connect with readers. 

It’s not just about the numbers but knowing that my stories are resonating with people and leaving an impression. I also love helping young people develop their own creativity through my Crazy Creatives course (available on Amazon or contact me through my website), where we explore how to write short stories and even host a competition! It’s amazing to see children get excited about writing and storytelling too. 

Caroline has added this offer for Leventhorpe Students:  

Want more?  If It’s Raining in Moscow and I Forgot My Umbrella caught your interest, why not step back in time and uncover the story before it all began? 

Get The Secret Young Life of Dmitri Molchalin - a FREE short story that reveals the secrets, rivalries, and betrayals that shaped everything. 

Sign up now at https://www.carolineboxall.com/  and get your exclusive copy straight to your inbox!