This is my beautiful cat, Sophie deciding politely whether she’s ready to come indoors. I rarely mention my cat, it’s always about the dog, Stanley. as he’s so present. Sophie was the first, the original, selected as a feral kitten from the RSPCA long before we thought about having children. She was the most unassuming, timid creature who took a lifetime to build trust but once she did was totally and completely loyal. At fifteen she was still bright and healthy but there must’ve been an underlying heart problem as she died suddenly last night. We’re all very sad in our house. People often suggest I should write about dogs but you don’t have to be a dog or a cat lover; you can be both x

Neither of my books are officially nominated for World Book Day choice BUT you can still add them as your book of choice if you’d like to? Here’s the link: http://www.worldbookday.com/ideas/share-story-vote/age-9-12/

For those of you who don’t recognise this book, it was revolutionary in Children’s Literature as it was one of the first ‘gritty’ Young Adult (YA) novels to be published. We’ve got lots to choose from nowadays! I’ve never read it and always meant to so when I saw it for 50p in one of my local charity shops I snapped it up.

BTW I’m a charity shop addict and have been inspired to be braver in my wardrobe choices by listening to talks by Caroline Jones. Caroline did something amazing in honour of her mother. Intrigued? Look her up (hint: she’s not the Australian singer!)

You may think browsing through my blog that my life as a Children's Author is one great experience after another, but for every 'up' there is always a 'down'.

Sometimes you even get hit with a double whammy. This happened to me the other day. The new book, Thirteenth Wish, was not long listed in either Undiscovered Voices or The Bath Novel Award. I found out within minutes of one another. It was one blow and then another. Whilst you don't really expect to make it to know that you definitely haven't can really put a dampener on your self-esteem and make you question your own abilities as a writer.

As I was reading through the SCBWI Facebook threads of congratulations and celebrations for those who had made it, I began thinking that there had to be others who were reading them and feeling the same as me.

Without thinking too much about it I typed: 
For other slightly bruised BNA and UV entrants (like me) I thought it might be good to start a post about the ways writers and illustrators stay resilient in this heart-wrenching roller-coaster industry. How do you deal with the ups and downs?

I thought I might get one or two replies; at the last count there were 98.
It was an outpouring of honesty and it was the most beautiful reminder that while we are all there to celebrate success we can offer supportive commiserations too.

Life is up and down. Celebrate the good stuff when you can and remember nobody has just ups. Believe, believe, believe.

​You all realise I'm talking to myself right now?!

Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure of doing an author visit at North Watford Library. It was packed with engaged, attentive and fun children who were bursting with great questions and joined in brilliantly with the activities. To top it off I was presented with these gorgeous flowers. Stan is keeping an eye on them for me!

to visiting Wood End School on Friday 8 December. I’ve been signing all the pre-ordered books in preparation. It is my highest number of orders yet and I’ve not even done my visit yet! Very exciting!