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.

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