Interview Questions and Answers

When I was Little

Who inspired you when you were little?

I was inspired by explorers and scientists like the gorilla researcher, Dian Fossey and Heather Couper the astronomer. I also liked TV stars like the superhero “Wonder Woman” and pop singers like ABBA.

What was your favourite/most hated subject at school?

My favourite was Maths because I was good at it and liked to be “right”. My least favourite was P.E. because I was a slow runner and quite uncoordinated.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

A teacher caught me talking during assembly when I was about 8. She made me stand up and sing the whole of “My Darling Clementine” solo.

What was the book you most loved as a child?

Who’s a Pest? By Crosby Bonsall, A Kiss for Little Bear by Else Minarik, and Benjamin and Tulip by Rosemary Wells.

Hobbies And Likes

What are your favourite foods?

I like cheese, mushrooms, and chocolate (but not combined!)

Do you have any hobbies?

I collect costumes, look after my tropical pot plants, do vintage swing dancing and enjoy craft activities such as print making and origami. I also enjoy reading and listening to podcasts to learn about new ideas and imagine new worlds.

What have been your best experiences?

I love travelling, my favourite countries so far being Belize and Cambodia. My happiest moments outside of travelling were all with animals, especially being a wildlife rescuer in Australia.

Being a Writer

Who is your favourite author/children’s author?

Pamela Allen writes and illustrates simple but very funny stories which children love. Julia Donaldson is brilliant. 

Why did you want to be a writer?

When I was travelling I started to have lots of ideas, and decided to write. Then I thought why not send it to a publisher?

What’s the best thing and worst thing about being a writer?

The best things are when writing flows smoothly and the characters seem to do things by themselves, and also seeing my books in bookshops. The worst things are getting stuck for ideas, finding enough time to write, and getting letters from publishers saying they don’t want my books.

If you weren’t a writer, what would you like to be?

I’m not a fulltime writer at all! I spend most of my time in a job that involves caring for animals.