I write picture books and longer stories for children.  I also write non-fiction books for children, too.    

The best part of my job is making things up…following an idea and seeing where it leads me!

How did you become a writer?

I used to be a commissioning editor at Oxford University Press, which means I asked lots of authors to write books and then worked with them on their stories.  I eventually realized that I really wanted to write books myself! So I left, and started writing books at our kitchen table. Or in cafés. Or in the garden. Just about anywhere, really!

What other jobs have you done?

I have done lots of other jobs including being a secretary, a stage manager and selling posters and helping students write essays. I still sometimes edit books at home, which is great as it means I get to talk to lots of lovely authors.

What else do you do?

I work for the Royal Literary Fund running a reading group.  I also do bits of acting, singing and comedy improvisation.

What do you like?

I love making cakes, running, gardening and going to the theatre. And drinking hot chocolate. Even in summer.