Interviewed by BookHounds

This interview took place during THE ORPHAN AND THE THIEF Blog Tour. I’d like to thank the runners of BookHounds for having me. You can read the interview on their site.

Do you have a secret talent?

Hmm, not so much a secret talent. I play around with photography and post my photos online. I think other than writing, photography is where I’ve got a lot of natural talent. I call it Garden Windows Photography. I’ve fiddled with drawing, but have never had the patience to improve. I once tried out knitting – turns out not so talented there.

Is there a song that really reminds you of your book?

I’m sure there’s one out there and I just haven’t found it yet. There are songs that remind me of some of my prior books and some that remind me of works in progress, but not so much when it comes to The Orphan and the Thief. I think it’s probably because I listen to rather mournful music and Orphan is so quirky and cheerful and fun.

What was the easiest thing about writing this book?

Ooo, I’m experiencing a brain cramp. This book was actually the hardest for me to write, so far. It took me a crazy long time to figure out the plot, but you’re asking about what came easiest. The characters came easiest, especially Toad, which I was rather surprised by. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to write a 12 year old boy, because I’m not really around them, but once I started, he took shape almost immediately.

Is there a word you love to use?

There are so many! Why only pick one? I adore ‘bombard’, ‘bamboozle’, ‘monocle’, ‘snort’, ‘snout’, ‘mischievous’, ‘poison’, and ‘bellow’ to name a few.

Any real or imaginary pets? 

Real: 1 poodle (Andy), 4 cats (Zuzu, Agnes, Truffles, and Kit)

Imaginary: 1 spit-fire dragon (Pep)