It’s my last post on here. I’ve had an absolute blast chatting to you all every month and I’ll miss it… but I’m so glad to have had the chance to write for this blog in the first place. I never saw myself as a blogger. I have zero confidence so it always comes as … Continue reading
At a bookish gathering recently, Sheena Wilkinson talked about the importance of her ‘tribe’, the warm and welcoming group of children’s authors I’m proud to be part of.Sheena’s right of course. Writing can be a lonely business, and hanging out with people who know all about that can be very special. Last weekend, I attended … Continue reading
My book, The Awkward Autumn of Lily McLean was published two days ago, which feels both exciting and nerve wracking. The book launch is on the 29th of March in Waterstone’s Braehead and my nerves couldn’t be more wracked about that! Public speaking isn’t my thing. In fact, I’d go as far as to say … Continue reading
Thursday, March the 2nd, was my first World Book Day as a published author. I was invited to spend the day at Bro Hyddgen School in Machynlleth, mid-Wales. It was a really poignant day for me, as my little boy, Ned, would have been six years old on Thursday, had he not died last March. … Continue reading
Happy World Book Day, everyone! I usually celebrate this special day by curling up in a corner with a book, but this year I can’t do this, as instead I’m launching a book of my own into the world. (I’m doing lots of events this week, including The Biggest Book Show on Earth in Dublin.) … Continue reading
The puppy’s name is Bessie and she’s one of my many excuses, even though she’s not even mine and only comes to visit occasionally. It shames me to admit, but so far this year I’ve written only a few thousand words. I’m full of ideas, but struggling to get into an evening writing routine. I’ve … Continue reading
Really thrilled to let you know ‘Fenn Halflin and the Fearzero‘ has made the New Angle Prize longlist. The New Angle Prize is a biennial award given to any book of literary merit set in or influenced by the region of East Anglia. The judges said; A thought-provoking debut in which the threat from the east … Continue reading
This year I am excited for St. David’s Day even more than usual. Welsh cakes, daffodils, Welsh lady costumes, singing Welsh songs, eating leeks… we know how to party here in Wales! Even though I was born in Cardiff and grew up in the South Wales Valleys I can still only speak a smattering … Continue reading
To celebrate Cat Royal’s first adventure, The Diamond of Drury Lane, coming out as a Modern Classic this spring, she is going on an international Diamond Tour. If your school would like to take part in the fun, please talk to a teacher or librarian and let me know and I’ll see if her carriage … Continue reading
I love birthdays. I particularly love book birthdays. And this time next week it will be the first birthday of my ‘Unicorn in New York’ series with OUP. The first book came out this time last year and I can’t tell you how fond I’ve become of Louie the Unicorn. I liked his dementedly optimistic personality from … Continue reading
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