About Me - FAQ

How I became a writer      Frequently asked questions      My blog

Who's the horse in the photo?
His name's Sampson and he's a Hafflinger. He used to belong to a friend who let me ride him.

Have you got a horse of your own?
Not at the moment, but I sometimes ride a grey mare called Annie who belongs to my friend. Annie is a grandmother. Her daughter is called Rio, and her granddaughter is called Lola.

How many books have you written?
About 35

How long does it take to write a book?
A Princess Ellie book usually takes 2 months including the thinking time. Picture books are quicker - they take about 2 weeks. But sometimes it takes much longer because I go wrong and have to start again.

Are you famous?
I don't know. I think my books are better known than I am.

Where do you get your ideas from?
Almost anything can trigger ideas - items in newspapers and on TV, things that have happened to me, things that have happened to other people. If I'm stuck, I go for a walk or read a book about creating plots to get me thinking. The best ideas often come when I'm not really trying. A few months ago, I had the best idea I'd ever had while I was having a shower, but I'd forgotten it by the time I got out!

Do you know any other authors?
Yes, lots. Children's authors are a very friendly bunch of people so we keep in touch with each other and get together when we get a chance.

Are you going to write any more Princess Ellie books?
Princess Ellie's Secret Treasure Hunt is the last one for the time being. I needed a break after writing 12 books about Ellie, but I might write about her again in the future.

Do you have any pets?
Not at the moment.

What are you writing now?
I've just finished writing a picture book, and I'm busy starting a new series about a girl called Amy. I've written the first book and the publishers like it so maybe that will be published eventually. I'm also playing with ideas for a new pony series about a girl called Sasha Brown. There's still lots more planning to do, but I've written the opening scene and I know the books will be longer than the ones about Princess Ellie.

How I became a writer      Frequently asked questions      My blog

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