How many books have you written?
Around 12 I think.

What was your first book?
My first book was called Smart Alec and it was about a girl who thought she was really smart even though she wasn’t at all. A bit like me, really.

When did you start writing?
When I was around eight years old, in Class 3C at Rainbow Street Primary School. I wrote a wonderful remarkable piece called My Trip to the Zoo and Miss Elliot only gave it a B - she gave Glenn Ludlow an A and his was rubbish. I’ve never quite gotten over it.

Why do you like to write books for children?
I have a stupid sense of humour, I’m immature and rude and a bit weird, so I guess it suits me to write for children, because adults are really boring.

Where do you get your ideas from?
I think of them in the shower, that’s where I get all my best ideas. Or I see something in real life and write it down on a piece of paper, then one day I turn it into a story or a scene.

Are the characters in your books based on real people?
Most of them are. That way the characters feel more believable and natural.

How do you create characters that will appeal to children?
Like I said before, just make them believable, make a character that kids feel they’ve met before.

Who are your favourite writers/illustrators? And favourite books?
I like Dr Suess. And I like the Lemony Snicket books. I like lots of children’s books, as long as they’re a bit funny. I used to love the Molesworthy books illustrated by Ronald Searle.