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David Whitley

David Whitley was born in 1984 and at the young age of 20 he won the Cheshire Prize for Literature. He later graduated from the University of Oxford with a double first in English Literature. David has even been on TV when he entered BBC2's University Challenge as a member of Oxford Corpus Christi team, who became series champions in 2005!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Um... a writer! At least I'm consistent!

Favourite book character (not one of your own!)

Arthur Clennam from Dickens' Little Dorrit.

What are your five favourite words?

"Would you like some tea?"

What is most precious to you?

My parents.

What is the first book you read and loved?

Gobbolino the Witch's Cat by Ursula Moray Williams.

What is the last book you read and loved?

Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell.

What is your biggest fear?

Causing harm to someone by accident.

What is your earliest childhood memory?

Becoming wildly overexcited whenever I saw the letter "J" in a sign, because it was my favourite letter... yes, I had a favourite letter.

What is your favourite joke?

I got home, and the phone was ringing. I picked it up, and said 'Who's speaking please?' And a voice said 'You are.'

What is your greatest extravagance?

DVD box sets - there are some very good TV shows out there with a LOT of seasons...

What is your worst habit?

Leaving it too long before replying to emails.

What makes you happy?

Friends, family, music, writing and cake. Not necessarily in that order.

Where were you born and have you got an accent?

Pure RP, with a touch of the north in the vowels.

Who is your best friend?

An excellent singer called Jon.

Full name

David Michael Whitley

Date of birth

12th November 1984

Birthplace

Chester

Colour of eyes

Hazel

Colour of hair

Chestnut

Favourite food

Roast potatoes

Favourite colour

Black

Favourite poem

The Hunting of the Snark by Lewis Carroll

Favourite smell

Royal Blue

Favourite song

Giants in the Sky by Stephen Sondheim