So, my first question. Who is the biggest writing inspiration to you?
There are many writers I admire and many books that shaped my childhood and captured my imagination, but growing up I didn't have an author 'hero' as such. The idea of being an author seemed very unlikely, unattainable… I knew it was something I'd love to do, I just didn't think it was possible. Rather than being inspired by a famous writer, my dad was my inspiration… he worked very hard at a manual job and had nothing to do with the world of writing, but he loved books as much as I did and he taught me the power of dreaming big… especially when combined with hard work! I learned early on that dreams do not drop into your lap fully formed… you have to work your socks off to make them happen. So my dad gave me my love of dreaming and my work ethic, and the two of us were library addicts - without his support I would never have been able to read as much or as widely as I did growing up. When it comes to modern authors, I have huge respect for JK Rowling for opening up the world of children's books and making it so exciting, lively, popular. She is also brave enough to speak out against injustice, and I admire her for that.
I love The Chocolate Box Girls series and am sad that it’s over… are planning to write another series?
The next thing I am writing is a stand-alone book, but there are lots of ideas in the pipeline, including a series idea that Chocolate Box fans will adore… watch this space! xxx
That's exciting! I'll be looking out for that! Now here’s a hard one; favourite Tanberry-Costello sister?
Fave Tanberry-Costello sister… well, I am probably most like Skye or perhaps Coco… perhaps a straight split between the two. Daydreamy, vintage-loving, eccentric, animal mad, wants to save the world, that's me. But the sister I like most of all is the one who is actually least like me, Honey. She's a rebel and a drama queen, and although I don't react like her I am fascinated by her and in showing the reader why she acts up… she actually feels things very strongly. Wherever Honey is, that's where the story is… I guess that's why I love her character! xxx
Do you have any secret talents?
Secrets talents… hmmm. Not sure I have any that are secret… I'm good at crafts, all kinds of things from making felt to papier mache and making dresses out of old 1950s curtains. (They look better than you'd think!) For years I was very proud of my ability to do a perfect headstand… then I had an injury ten years ago and I can't do headstands any more. xxx
I know you’re a big fan of animals… If you could have any pet in the world, what would it be?
I've even thought about having an animal rescue at some point in the future, but realistically that may not happen. If I had to pick an animal, it would be a donkey… or two. I love the mad, discordant braying they make and they are the most beautiful, beautiful creatures ever. They'd have to be rescue donkeys, of course! xxx
Chocolate or vanilla?
This may sound like heresy… but vanilla. If it's ice cream. And chocolate if it's… well, chocolate! I love chocolate but i don't like chocolate flavoured things, oddly! xxx
Hot chocolate, tea, or coffee?
I like all three! Hot choc I have to make myself from scratch as I don't like it to be too sweet…. tea, I love Lapsang tea because it smells and tastes like a bonfire… and coffee… that's my drink of choice when out, and I'd pick a latte. heart emoticon xxx
(PS… I always drink my tea weak and black… xxx)
Finally, do you have any tips for aspiring writers like myself?
Tips for young writers… write about what you believe in and write a little bit every day if you can. It's important that you write for yourself and not just in English class! Read lots, too, because you'll learn lots from that without even trying! xxx
Thank you so so much! It was awesome talking to you!
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