Where do you get your ideas from?
Frequently from my own life and the crazy things that happen to me!
From particularly atmospheric places.
From other things that I’ve read or seen.
From doing drama.
From God – no other explanation!

What’s you favourite book?
My favourite adult book is ‘Middlemarch’ by George Eliot. For children, it’s currently ‘Holes’ by Louis Sachar but there are loads that I like!

When did you start writing?
I’ve always enjoyed writing but didn’t start getting serious about it until I was about 25 or 26 when I was still a teacher in comprehensive schools.

When was your first book published and what was it?
1997 – ‘My Mum and Other Horror Stories’.

What made you want to be a writer?
I love writing and I love reading!

Which is your favourite of the books that you’ve written?
I always say something different for this one so I don’t think I’ve really got one! At the moment, I really like ‘Fur’. I think it’s very gripping and also very moving. I hope you think so too.

Who is your favourite character?
There are a lot of interesting people in my books, I think, but I have a special fondness for Kate in the ‘My Mum’ books, probably because she’s quite like me and because I’ve been writing about her for so long. Do let me know who you like!

Have you considered writing an adult book?
No. It’s a bit like asking a reception teacher whether they’ve considered teaching in a college! It’s a completely different skill.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a writer?
Read as much as you can and learn to type! The get down to it. Don’t spend ages thinking about it – do it