How long have you been writing for?<\/strong><\/p>

I have been writing my whole life. I always loved writing fictional stories as a child. It wasn\u2019t until I became a mum in 2015 that I decided I wanted to write properly and explore the option of self publishing so that I could read my own books to my daughter.<\/p>

What’s the average word count for the books you write and how long does it take you to write your average book?<\/strong><\/p>

For a picture book, the average word count is 1000 words. On a good day I can write a picture book in just a night!<\/p>

What is your writing routine (Do you have a daily word count goal? Do you write whenever the spirit moves you?)<\/strong><\/p>

It took me 3 years to write my first chapter book, MOUSE and the Mystery Box. I wrote some, then forgot about it for a while and had 2 children during that time. I wrote the second book in the trilogy, MOUSE and the City of Secrets, in 3 months. I pushed myself to write for an hour every night. For picture books I tend to wait to be inspired. I wrote one while at the park with my children recently!<\/p>

How much do you research for a book before you start writing?<\/strong><\/p>

I don\u2019t as such, but because I have children we have LOTS of books that we read and that helps me to research what works well in children\u2019s books.<\/p>

What do you find most difficult about writing a book?<\/strong><\/p>

I wish I could illustrate them myself. The hardest part really is finding an illustrator for the story. This takes time and money.<\/p>

Which of your books are you most proud of and why?<\/strong><\/p>

I\u2019m proud of MOUSE and Mystery Box because it\u2019s 12 chapters long. I\u2019m very proud that I stuck with it! Even though I dipped in and out, I\u2019m really happy with the finished product.<\/p>

Which of your books was the most difficult to write and why?<\/strong><\/p>

I still need to write the third and final book within my MOUSE trilogy. I think this is going to be the most difficult one to write because I really need the final book to be epic and not at all disappointing!<\/p>

Which self-publishing platform do you like the most and why?<\/strong><\/p>

IngramSpark<\/p>

Would you publish with a traditional publisher if they contacted you? Why?<\/strong><\/p>

Yes. I would love the opportunity to work with a traditional publisher. It would save me a lot of money because they would pay for the illustrations. It would also be great to benefit from their expertise.<\/p>

How many unfinished or unpublished works do you have?<\/strong><\/p>

20+ Unpublished picture books.<\/p>

Do you prefer creating stand-alone books or series?<\/strong><\/p>

Stand alone. Less pressure for them all to be good! : )<\/p>

What’s one character you wish you would have created? What do you find compelling or interesting about this character?<\/strong><\/p>

I love Shirley Hughes\u2019 Alfie books. I loved them as a child and now enjoy reading them to my own children. We love Alfie as a character and his little sister Annie-Rose.<\/p>

What book do you wish you would have written? Why?<\/strong><\/p>

I am a massive Harry Potter fan! The books are incredible and I would be very proud to have written them!<\/p>

What does success as a writer look like for you?<\/strong><\/p>

When I hear that a child has loved reading one of my books that is the best feeling in the world!<\/p>

Do you read your reviews? How do you deal with bad ones?<\/strong><\/p>

Thankfully I\u2019ve not received any bad ones yet!<\/p>

I was told that my story, Brother Butterfly, was a little bit long for its target age. I took the comment on board and released a 2nd edition which is less \u2018wordy\u2019! It\u2019s always important to listen to feedback.<\/p>

Do you have a favourite author? A favourite book?<\/strong><\/p>

I love Julia Donaldson and Shirley Hughes.<\/p>

Do you plot your stories in great detail before starting to write, or fly by the seat of your pants?<\/strong><\/p>

I plan chapter books but for picture books I very much see where the story takes me as I write it!<\/p>

Of all the characters in your stories, which is your favourite?<\/strong><\/p>

Arthur the ladybird in my MOUSE trilogy. He\u2019s a funny, sweet character. I actually named my son Arthur after using the name in one of my books.<\/p>

Do you make a living selling your books?<\/strong><\/p>

By the time I\u2019ve paid the illustrator I\u2019m happy if I can break even.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t