Things I’m Often Asked / FAQs

 

Are you writing a book at the moment?


I am working on a new series of books called Wings & Co, about a fairy detective agency. What are you’re favourite books?
I have so many: The Little Prince, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, Paddington Bear. Also Holes by Louis Sachar, How WeLive Now by Meg Rosoff, The Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald, Great Expectations and Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens; not forgetting all of Angela Carter’s works.

Where do you get your ideas?


From everything and everywhere – books, music, theatre, people, coversations, paintings, buildings… I feel like I have a satellite dish on my head. But I have to think about the ideas a long time before they form properly.

Who is your favourite literary character?


Mr. Darcy.

What are your hobbies?


Walking the dogs, writing, reading, going to museums, drinking lots of coffee in cafes.

Do you have any children or animals?


I have three grown up children and a miniature log haired sausage dog called Lottie.

What’s your favourite music?


My taste’s very eclectic: I like Elbow, The Gorillaz, Dangermouse, Beethoven, Van Morrison, Nina Simone, Bob Dylan, Nick Cave, Dusty Springfield, Frank Sinatra, Joni Mitchell and Gogol Bordello… to name a few.

Do you have a favourite country or place in the world?


I love Paris, and I love France. And of course, I love England.

What 3 things would you take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?


A beautiful dress, a good bottle of champagne, and my iPad.

Do you have any tips for young writers?


Keep telling yourself stories and don’t worry if you can’t write them down. Try to find your voice. Don’t be put off by anyone telling you that you can’t do something – believe in your dreams. Read lots of good books, or if reading’s tricky, listen to lots of audio books.

Which writers have had the greatest influence on your work?


Angela Carter and Charles Dickens. Raymond Carver, the Brothers Grimm. We also are living now in such a golden age of writing and are so blessed to be alive during this true Renaissance for children’s as well as adult literature.