Where were you born? In Dorking, Surrey, in the southeast of England.

What did you study? I studied modern languages at Durham University, in the northeast of England. As part of my studies I taught English in Germany for a year.

When did you start working in book publishing? In the 1970s I lived in London, where I worked for the Hodder group, Hamlyn and Macdonald Educational. I edited children’s information books.

When did you start writing? In the 1980s I set up as a freelance writer and publishing consultant. I have been writing ever since.

How many books have you written? I have no idea!. Most of them are listed on this website. It looks like a lot, but it must be said that some of them are very short books!

Who do you work for? I have worked for many leading international publishers, from
Dorling Kindersley to Kingfisher, Watts and Walker Books. I also work for small independent book producers (‘packagers’). Sometimes I visit local schools or libraries to talk about my work.

Who do you work with? The publisher’s editor commissions a team of people to work on each title or series. These may include a designer, a picture researcher, an illustrator and sometimes a specialist educational or subject consultant. My job is to work with the whole team.

How do you write about other countries? Over the years I have travelled widely in Europe, North America, Africa, Asia and Australia. I like to meet people and see how they live.

Where do you live now? I live on Ynys Môn (the Isle of Anglesey), which is the most northerly part of Wales. The island is surrounded by the Irish Sea. I can see the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) to the south, across the Menai Strait.

Do you have family? My partner, Linda, teaches children with reading difficulties in local schools. She can offer me good advice about reading levels and other educational matters. Elin Rhiannon is our daughter, born in 1996. I can always try out new ideas on her! She has a mad cat who is studying mice and the best ways to chase them.

What are your interests? Travelling, walking along the beach, art, music... occasionally I even find time to read a book. You should try it sometime!