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The challenges facing children's writers
Yesterday, I attended Writing West Midland's annual Writers' Toolkit in Birmingham. Started only a few years ago, as an opportunity for writers to get together over a coffee and swap ideas/support...
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Read for pleasure or get stuck into a challenging book?
Professor Keith Topping has just released his report about the reading habits of young people. Interviewed on BBC Breakfast this morning, he voiced concerns that children are reading below their...
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Why write for children?
This is a question I have been asked on more than one occasion. Each time it's been by an adult. I don't think they are belittling the process, but it did make me start to consider the reasons for my...
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What are your top reads?
I've just read the Times Educational Supplement's 'Top 20 Interesting Reads' list. It makes interesting reading in itself. Five hundred teachers were asked to list their favourite titles in an...
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Filming the author!
Last Friday I travelled to The Lemonade Factory in Battersea to be filmed for a short piece to feature on my publisher's website and Youtube page. For those of you who read about my previous escapade...
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Places I've written
Yes, those are my feet - well, two of them. During the summer months it can be tricky to find the time or inspiration to get any writing done. There are numerous distractions which can make it a...
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Research is fun
I never find research boring, whatever form it takes. I've always loved poring over books and once spent an entire day in a library, completely forgetting about lunch. Those that know me will...
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The importance of being...a pleasure reader.
I've blogged about the importance of reading for pleasure before. Please don't stop reading this if you saw that post - there's lots of new and different stuff in this one! I promise. It's just that...
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When does it get easier to write?
Last Friday I celebrated the launch of the third book in my Ever So series - Miss Dorothy-Jane Was Ever So Vain - with a delicious lunch in Covent Garden courtesy of my publisher Maverick Arts...
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The Writing Process Blog Tour
Welcome to my small link in the chain that is The Writing Process Blog Tour! 'And what exactly is that?' I hear you say. Well....each Sunday writers ponder for several hours over their answers to...
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What makes a Reading Hero?
This week is National Bookstart Week. Book-based events are planned up and down the country, in libraries, children's centres and more, with a range of storytimes, rhymetimes, craft sessions, fancy...
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Meet My Character
This blog post is all thanks to fellow SCBWI author Rebecca Colby. She asked me to take part in the MEET MY CHARACTER BLOG HOP. I've chosen to introduce you to my next Ever So character - please...
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Creativity, crafting and croquet......crumbs!
The wonderful Holland House Last year I retreated to the wilds of Worcestershire for a weekend of everything picture book. It was an amazing experience. When I discovered another Retreat was being...
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Excessive analysis of books puts kids off reading?
Below is a stack of books, all of which I read for the sheer fun and pleasure of doing so. It was great! I have blogged before about my reasons why reading for pleasure (for all ages, but especially...
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World Book Day 5th March 2015
Another year has passed and we find ourselves preparing for World Book Day 2015. It's a day when the spotlight is shone onto the subject of books and reading all around the world - the biggest...
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On delivering a workshop to adults for the first time, learning about dragon...
The Federation of Children's Book Groups' Annual Conference 2015 I was asked, by the Lincolnshire group of the FCBG, to give a seminar on rhyming picture books at their annual conference which this...
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Hay, happiness and Hancock
I have never been to the Hay Festival before....so, yesterday, I decided to treat myself (and husband, who I dragged along)! What a great place. I had a wonderful time. It all began well when, parking...
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INSPIRATIONAL (re)TREAT!
It's that time of year again.....SCBWI's Picture Book Retreat (now an annual event) took place this weekend at the beautiful Holland House near Evesham in Worcestershire. With the theme 'Dancing...
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