Did you always want to write books?
Yes, always - it took me a while, but I got there in the end.
Where do you get your ideas from?
From bonkers conversations I have with my own kids mostly - often a title will pop into my head first, and the story will just grow from there.
What's your favourite book you've written?
My favourite is usually whatever I'm writing at the moment. But what I'm writing now won't be in the shops for at least another two years - if ever!
I want to be a writer . . .
Great! If you're a kid, the best advice I can give you is to read lots - all of the best writers in history have said this. Write too. Don't worry about reading the 'right' books, or writing in the 'right' way - just read and write what you enjoy, and it will happen all by itself.
If you're a grown-up, start with 'The Writers' and Artists' Yearbook' (or the 'Children's Writers' and Artists' Yearbook' if you want to write for kids) and take it from there. Everyone has to find their own way in, but this is the best starting point for most people. Oh, and what I said for kids goes for grown-ups too!
What's your favourite book?
When I was little, I loved Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton. Roald Dahl's 'Fantastic Mr Fox' was my absolute favourite of all - I must have read it 100 times, or more! Now I'm a grown-up, I still like to read books for kids, but my favourite book of all time is 'Persuasion' by Jane Austen.
Favourite Mr Man?
Mr Impossible (of course!)
Do you do school visits?
Yes! I love to visit schools - and pre-schools - time and location permitting! Storytelling sessions are popular for pre-schoolers and Key Stage 1, but I can also run creative writing sessions for Key Stage 2 and above. Drop me a line if you would like me to visit your school.
How do you find illustrators for your stories?
I don't! Children's publishers know lots of fabulous illustrators and they like nothing better than to find a perfect match between stories and pictures for themselves.
Can I write to you?
Yes, please! I LOVE to hear from readers! There is a form on this website for you to do this - or you can get in touch with me on Facebook or Twitter. If you would like to send me an actual, proper, letter (how lovely!), you can send it care of my publisher or agent.
Who's your agent?
Jodie Hodges, at United Agents. And yes, it's true what you've heard - she is amazing!
Do you write stuff for grown-ups too?
Yes, short stories and plays mostly. Some of my work for grown-ups is available for free on the internet.
How long does it take you to write a book?
Not long on the actual writing, but it can take a long time (sometimes a year or two) for an idea to develop into a fully fledged story. Not all of my stories get made into books, and I spend a lot more time editing than I do actually writing (sorry kids - your teachers do have a point here!)
Why do you write picture books?
Picture books are (or should be!) a big part of children's early lives. Who wouldn't want to be part of children's lives in this way?
Do you have a writing qualification?
No, but I wouldn't rule it out in the future. I have been lucky enough to take part in some brilliant writer development activities over the last few years, and they've proved invaluable to me. I love writing, and I love education (I have a degree in Youth and Community Work, and a PG Cert in Learning and Teaching), so the chances of me doing some kind of formal writing qualification in the future are probably quite high!
Where can I buy your books?
This is the one children ask me the most! You can buy them from Amazon, and most good bookshops - as well as some supermarkets. But you can also borrow them for free from your local library!
Where can I get a signed copy?
I often sign books at festivals and events, and (almost every week!) on school visits - please check my events page for updates.
