FAQ's
Why did you decide to be children's author?
I thought I could write books that would make reading fun for children.
Where do you get your ideas from?
From everywhere, experiences I have, people I meet, childhood memories.
Do you enjoy your job?
I love my job. It's an obsession, a way of making your dreams come true, a way of dreaming. It's also a way of exploring your inner feelings and its fun.
Where did you get the Gizmo book idea?
The first story is about a boy who stole something. The only time I ever stole anything was when I was six and I still feel guilty about it.
How many ideas have you come up with?
I have come up with so many ideas that I have to keep an ideas book. I don't necessarily use them straight away but if I write them down I won't forget them.
I have six children and nine grandchildren.
My childrens names are: Tracy, Lyndu, Andrew, Sally, Gemma and Bronson. My granchildren are: Anthony, Sarah, Jamie, Kayle, Andrew, Jermaine, Kyle, Sage and Arley.
No, not really. I very rarely go back to them after I have finished them.
Do you have any pets?
No, unfortunately I move around too often to have a pet.
Who is your favourite singer?
Roy Orbison
How old are you?
I was born in 1943
Do you like gardening?
Yes, but I don't get much time to do it.
Is anyone else a famous writer in the family?
No, there hasn't been one before me and, as yet, no other younger member of the family are famous writers.
Have you done any of the things in your stories?
I haven't done all the things in my stories (thank goodness) - there are a few things though as often the main character is based on me as a child. I don't want to give away all of my secrets so you will have to do a bit of guess work!
Do your friends think you're weird?
I haven't actually asked my friends, but we have all been friends for many years and we all get on extremely well. If they do think I am weird it hasn't affected our friendship and I think that is all that matters.
When writing a book, who are you aiming to please? Yourself, the reader or your editor?
When I write a story I am writing with the reader in mind.
Do you feel accomplished when you find out how avid readers of your books are?
I am always honoured when I hear how much people like my stories.
How many books have you written?
Including the new Rascal books, I have written 39 books.
How and why did you start writing books?
I began writing books because I believed I would be able to provide interesting stories for children that would encourage them in their love of reading. To begin getting published, I had to be persistent and just keep on trying.
When did you start writing books, and what age were you?
I was about 16 when I first began writing, but I didn't get anything published until I was 37.
What are the names of your best sellers?
My best selling book is Unreal, having sold 608,000 books.
Where did you grow up and how many brothers and sisters do you have?
I was born in England and moved to Australia when I was six, so most of my growing up was in Melbourne. I have one sister, called Ruth.
What advice do you give to children that have a desire to be an author?
Never give up!
What is the process of writing a book?
Begin with a great idea. You have to write many drafts of your story and when you are happy with it, it is sent off to a publisher.
Which book took the longest to write and how long did it take?
My latest novel, 'The Nest', was the longest. It took almost four years to write.
Which took the shortest to write?
The Rascal stories only take a day to write (a little longer to be perfected though).
Who was your biggest influence?
My mother instilled a love of reading in me, so I guess I can thank her for starting me off.
What is your favourite past-time?
Reading, walking along the beach, spending time with friends and family.
How many books have you sold?
Over 8.7 million.
My books have now been published in 14 languages.
Morris and I have no plans to write any more books together at the moment, but hey, you never know!
Singenpoo first came into my life in 1989. Since then I've written four stories about her.
Yes it is.
I type my manuscripts using a Word program then I email them to my editor.
When I first arrived in Australia I had an english accent. I got teased at school for it and very quickly changed it to an Australian accent so I could fit in.
