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. I love it 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 oral 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 recently befriended next door's kitten, and the two of them together are incredibly naughty.
• My favourite thing to do is to walk in the woods or by the sea. My favourite film is Casablanca. Some of my favourite writers are Ann Patchett, Jane Gardam, Eva Ibbotson, PG Wodehouse and Leo Tolstoy.
• 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.