Ben Elton Books

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Ben Elton is an English author who operates within the historical, thriller, literary, and science fiction genres. Born in 1959 in Fitzrovia (University College Hospital) to an English teacher (Mary) and a professor (Lewis Elton), the author spent his childhood in Catford, South London.

After moving to Guildford, Surrey, with his family in 1968, Elton added his talents to several amateur dramatics groups, which cemented his love for the theater. A former student at Stillness Junior School, he also enrolled at Godalming Grammar School and South Warwickshire College, where he pursued theater.

He continued his love affair with the subject at the University of Manchester, where he also studied Drama. The experience was transformational because it introduced the author to Ade Edmondson and Rik Mayall.

Elton continued to explore his interest in the arts by becoming the BBC’s youngest scriptwriter ever after joining the organization in 1980 following his graduation from university. But any assumptions he had about potentially limiting his talents to writing went out the window when he appeared on ‘Oxford Road Show’ as a stand-up performer.

This was before he co-wrote ‘The Young Ones’ and appeared in ‘Alfresco’ with the likes of Stephen Fry and Emma Thompson.’ His biggest fans have commended Elton for writing seasons of ‘Blackadder’ and an episode of ‘Mr. Bean.’

Elton has produced sitcoms, starred in radio plays, and directed films. He doesn’t limit his talents to a specific field, although many people describe him as a storyteller above all else.

Elton doesn’t know why he writes. He remembers feeling the compulsion to write comedy at the tender age of 11. He thinks the instinct is part of his DNA. As a child, he talked a lot. In fact, the author’s mother would tell him to wait until she poured her second cup of tea before he overwhelmed her with his words.

But even then, Elton knew he had a knack for comedy because he always made his mother laugh. He was the clown among her four children. A time came when all his friends began gravitating towards football, but sports did not appeal to him.

Instead, he leaned into amateur drama and started auditioning for local musicals. While theater has its challenges, the author likes working with people. Even though, like most writers, he spends most of his time alone, the author is happiest in the company of actors.

But he doesn’t dislike writing. The process irritates him on occasion. But it also rewards him in equal measure. Writing fascinates Elton because of the intimate connection it constructs between him and the reader.

This is why he responds so strongly when someone says they read his book. It feels like they opened a door and allowed his imagination to invade their mind. Mediums like film and theater differ because they involve so many people.

While he appreciates the collaborative process, film and theater cannot re-create the pure intimacy he associates with novels.

Ben Elton Awards

The author has won a Dagger Award (Popcorn).

Ben Elton Books Into Movies

The screenplay for a miniseries titled ‘Stark’ was based on the novel of the same name. ‘Popcorn’ became a play. Elton wrote and directed ‘Maybe Baby,’ an adaptation of ‘Inconceivable.’

Best Ben Elton Books

The author met Sophie Gare when the saxophone player was 18. The pair married in 1994. She gave him three children. Elton’s best books include:

Two Brothers: Two brothers couldn’t be more different. Raised by the same parents, one is Jewish, the other Aryan. Initially, their origins did not matter. In any other era, they would have thrived in their respective fields.

But then Hitler came to power, and the political landscape changed. Now, the pair must make difficult decisions.

Time And Time Again: Hugh Stanton was lost. A road accident had claimed his wife and children, and the grief threatened to consume him. But the ex-special services soldier had one more mission to accomplish, or so his former Cambridge University professor claimed.

Sir Isaac Newton had made a monumental discovery. An opportunity was about to open. If they took advantage, they would send Hugh Stanton back in time. And if they succeeded, Hugh could save millions of lives by safeguarding Archduke Ferdinand and preventing a World War.

When Does The Next Ben Elton book come out?

Ben Elton doesn't seem to have an upcoming book. Their newest book is Upstart Crow and was released on October, 18th 2018.

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