ABOUT ME

I was about six years old when I first read a story independently, in a sunlit classroom of the Lycée Français in London’s Cromwell Road.  I remember clearly how the world around me fell away as I was transported into the pages of the book, to a castle garden in another country, another time.  From that moment, I only ever wanted to be a writer.

 

It took me a while. After leaving university, I went to work for a publishing company, got married, had children… I loved all of it, but a part of me still longed to write. I complained about this quite extensively, until one dear friend reminded me in a very no-nonsense way that “writers write”. In other words, to get on with it.

 

So I did.

 

The first book I wrote was published in 2008 by Transworld, a dual-time romance for grownups. It was followed by another grownup book in 2010, but since then I have written exclusively for children and young people, and I have no plans to change this - perhaps because it brings me closest to that amazing thrill of magic I felt in that sunlit classroom when I first learned to read alone. I recently completed a course in storytelling as well, and I'm enjoying experimenting with that.

 

Some non-book related facts about me:

 

• I was born in London and have lived here all my life, but I’m three-quarters French, an eighth English and an eighth Dutch.  I adore London, but lately I've been thinking a lot about trees, and how I would like to have more around me. So maybe one day I will leave…
• I like to crochet. I find this fact astonishing, as I never thought I would have the patience to learn.
• I have two grown up daughters of whom I am ridiculously proud. I am happily married to their father. In November 2023 we finally adopted a new kitten, a year and a bit after saying goodbye to our cat of 19 years. Chloe likes to sit in my intray while I work, and is a bit of a witch's cat (see photo)
• My favourite thing to do is to walk in the woods or by the sea. My favourite film is Casablanca.Two of my favourite writers are Eva Ibbotson and PG Wodehouse.
• I get very grumpy if I don’t have a good book to read, if I’m not writing, if I’m hungry, tired or don’t get enough exercise.  Otherwise I am a generally cheerful person.

 

Click here for answers to Frequently Asked Questions about my life as a writer.