What was your favourite childhood book and why?
I had many different favourites all through my childhood, but the ones that linger in my mind and I still enjoy are the Just William books by Richmal Crompton. William was always so brilliantly optimistic about life and the stories full of flavour and fun – they still make me laugh.
Which of your own books is your favourite and why?
I am passionate about creating books and am never happier than when working on a book, so I would say that at the moment my favourite book of mine is the one I’m working on. It is about Ancient Greek heroes and I am really enjoying revisiting these myths. All those ancient gods and heroes were so wild and adventuress, but at the same time they could behave so badly and had such anger issues. They horrify me and make me laugh!
Why do you choose to read?
When I was a child I thought reading was boring, but then I realised that I was reading the wrong books. Now reading is as automatic as breathing to me and I can’t imagine not having a book on the go. I love the thought that I can open a book cover and escape into a different world. I think reading offers so much, an escape from a difficult time, a new adventure, empathy for others, laughter, learning, ideas, not to mention those amazing pictures you can create in your head…it’s just the best!
