Louie Stowell writes and edits non-fiction and story books at Usborne, and has written over 25 books, from factual books about how spacecraft work to stories about pirates and vampires. She is also speaker at  BookMachine London on 9th June 2015.

1) Do you read books on mobile devices?

Yes – on my phone, non fiction. On my ipad, comics.

2) How do you think mobiles are impacting reading generally?

Depending on the specific type of device, it can alter the type of space that reading takes place – I can read on my mobile phone in the most-crammed of tubes, in a way that holding up a book would be impossible. I think that emphasises the role of reading as escape: when you’re in a very uncomfortable situation, reading becomes a more urgent need, to take your mind off armpits and elbows and simmering anger.

3) In your opinion, which apps and sites facilitate mobile reading well?

Kindle and comixology are the ones I use most often, so I can’t really judge other sites. Audible, too, if we’re extending reading to listening. I actually consume more books via audible than any other means, and that’s very much an “on the go” thing. (e.g. when walking.)

4) Do you think there is a stigma towards short stories in the literary publishing world?

Not at all. There’s no money in it, but short stories are often seen, in my opinion, as at the more experimental and literary end of the spectrum. Though perhaps poetry would be at the extreme end. Novels at the more mainstream and commercial end.

5) Are there any issues around young people reading shorter stories?

Issues meaning problems? Access, primarily, as I don’t think shorter stories always get as much coverage. But collections of short stories are very valuable to kids – allowing for the complete-in-one-go bedtime story, and achievable little nuggets of reading that make the child feel as though they’re making progress.

6) Could we please have a clue as to what you might talk about at BookMachine on 9th June?

I’ll mostly be talking about Fiction Express and the nature of interactive reading for kids and perhaps a little bit about the overlap with gaming. Plus a few wider points about short form stories vs novels.

Meet Louie at BookMachine London