Where did you write The Goldfish Boy?
In lots of different places! Sometimes I wrote at a little desk in my bedroom, but mostly I sat at our kitchen table within reach of the biscuits. I also used to take my laptop to my son’s football training and write in the car. Occasionally I’d get up at 5am to write for a couple of hours before everyone else woke. I can’t quite believe I had that dedication!
Who is your favourite character in The Goldfish Boy and why?
My favourite character is probably Melody. She’s got such a big heart and she doesn’t care about being different. I think that’s a brave thing when you’re younger.
How long did it take you to write The Goldfish Boy?
A long time! I did a lot of stopping and starting and rewriting and doubting myself. The whole thing probably took about two years but I wasn’t writing continuously during that time…
What advice do you have for young writers?
Find your own voice. Don’t try to write like someone else, just relax and write what comes naturally to you.
How would you describe yourself as a child?
I was a bit of a geek. I was into lots of different things that probably could have been seen as uncool – birdwatching, musicals, collecting old coins and stamps, watching obscure films and singing into my hairbrush into the mirror etc (although everyone still does that, don’t they?)