If you are doing a book report on one of my books, thank you! Below is a bunch of questions kids often ask me when they're doing a project.

When and where were you born? Horsham, Victoria, Australia. 1961.

Have you always been a writer? No. I have been a nurse, a vet nurse, a public servant, a waitress, a shoe shop girl and an editor.

Did you always want to be a writer? Yes. But I also wanted to be a famous stage actress, a hairdresser, a drama teacher and a zoologist. Oh, I also wanted to be a spy.

How long does it take to write a book? Chapter books take about two months. Novels take anywhere from one to two years...

Favourite lollies? Clinkers and chicos.

Favourite ice-creams? Mr Merlin's Magic Purple Potions made a brief appearance in 1974 then promptly disappeared. Since then my favourite ice-creams have been Dixie Cups and Golden Gaytimes.

Favourite colours? Pink and green.

Favourite animals? Wolves and polar bears. (I really like cows, too).  

Favourite books when you were a kid? The Magic Wishing Chair by Enid Blyton. Five Run Away Together by Enid Blyton. My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George. Matilda by Roald Dahl.

Who is the Misery-Girl? She is a character from Enid Blyton's novel, The Second Form At St. Clare's.