Meet these brilliant kids who are part of YCC in Stevenage. They have been sharing their stories with me to help with my next writing project. I was completely blown away by each and every one of them. 

It is incredible what some kids are facing every day. So tough and yet they are full of life, love and positivity. It felt an honour to meet them and get to know them better. I'm very grateful to YCC who themselves have just had some amazing news...read on to see what Asda have written to them to say:

Isn't that wonderful news? Please vote to support this fantastic organisation which allows these children to escape from their caring responsibilities for a few hours giving them the chance to be kids again. 

This picture shows me talking to Armani and Lennie who are two of the small group of young carers who have agreed to help create my next book, Who Cares? I can't begin to tell you how powerful their stories are. Their understanding of the adult world shows a level of maturity and comprehension that is more sophisticated than many adults I have met. I'm totally in awe of what they are dealing with and yet they are the nicest, kindest people who could ever talk to. 

Watch out on my blog for news to how this project develops. I want to honour these kids to the best of my ability. 

It's the second time I've applied for the National Lottery Grant through the Arts Council to write my next book, entitled Who Cares? which will feature a young carer as the protagonist.

My funding was rejected last time, but I've decided that the project is so worthwhile that even if I'm rejected a second time I'm going ahead with the book.

I'll be writing in collaboration with young carer organisations, family, friends, professionals but most importantly the young carers themselves.

I had my first visit to Young Carers Crew last week, talking to the children and young people about my books and the Who Cares? project to see if they'd like to get involved. 

It's finally happened...my dog, Stan is featuring in a cameo role in the TLC film entitled 'Why I Write'.

The film is to be premiered on Thursday 15 July 7pm and you can buy a ticket and find out about the event here: 
Tickets & Info for Why I Write Film

All proceeds go to aspiring writers through TLC initiatives so you're supporting a worthy cause.

The Literacy Consultancy (TLC) is an organisation that offers editorial support and advice to many different writers and various stages of their careers. I saw their call out for short (up to 30 seconds) videos answering the question 'Why I Write.' I asked Stan for advice and filmed his response - ours was one of the many entries that they received that was selected. 

We'll of course be attending the premiere of the film and we'll both be scrubbed up nicely (as if it were the Oscars).

We hope you'll join us!