Q. What was the inspiration behind the various series of books you've made?

Q. What was the driving force behind becoming an author?

A. After years of writing non-fiction (reviews, interviews, feature articles) and poetry, finally a story came to live with me and demanded to be written! That was my first novel, which, like most first novels, isn't very good. You can read how I came to write the present series here.

Q. Do you have any plans to expand the fictional universes that you've created beyond just the books you've made?

A. I’m still writing the trilogy so can’t be sure yet! Besides, I am an old lady now so it depends on how long I stay a/ Alive b/In reasonable health and c/Compos mentis.

Q. What have been some of your favorite books to read?

A. I’ve always loved fantasy, ever since I was a child. I also love history, myths and legends. I like biographies and travel books, too.

Q. What was the first book that you can remember reading and enjoying?

A. There was a series of books about a bear called Rupert that my mother and older sisters used to read to me when I was three. I taught myself to read on the Rupert books. My eldest sister had a boyfriend who was half-French, half-German, and he translated one of the books into both French and German so I could read the story in three languages!

Q. Who has been your favorite author and why?

A. William Shakespeare. He knew and understood human nature better than any other writer I’ve read, and could turn his characters into poetry.