FAQ's for young readers

Q. Where do you get your ideas from?

A. Ideas come from everywhere: Things you see. Things people tell you. Memories of your own childhood. Occasionally an idea will come from nowhere and that's really exciting!

Q. Which is your own favourite book?

A. Each book is special for different reasons. But it's usually the last book I have completed.

Q. Do you have any pets?

A. Not at the moment. I have had dogs, cats, fish, birds, rabbits and even a white rat. At present I like to think that the birds and animals in my bush block are kind of 'pets'. If you bring up the link to RADIO TALKS and then BUSH TELEGRAPH you can read about some of the animals that live around here.

Q. Which do you prefer writing - short stories, non fiction or novels?

A. I like writing all of these. When I've finished a long novel I don't like to write another one straight away so then I write non fiction or short stories.

Q. What hobbies do you have?

A. Reading, walking, watching films and plays, knitting, cooking, doing things with my family.

Q. What advice do you give young writers?

A. Write, write, write and read, read, read! To write well you need to think about your audience and what you want them to feel. Try to write a little every day.