Captain Beastlie is Born

When you see the first pictures for one of your stories, it's always an amazing moment.  One minute you have words on a page, and the next, someone else has brought them to a life in full colour.  This is the moment, for me, that a book is really born. I've been itching to talk about Captain Beastlie for ages - he's been living in my head for years, every stinking, rotten, grubby inch of him.  I've no idea where he came from - probably the thwarted pirate inside me.  But of course, until he was properly announced by his lovely publisher, I couldn't.  Anyway, he's now up on the Nosy Crow website in all his full glory, as imagined by amazing artist Chris Mould, with whom it is a privilege to be working.  When I first saw his roughs last week, I did a small jig of joy.  Now I've seen the first colour picture, I'm even more cock-a-whoop.  Chris has imagined Captain B better than I ever could, and put in some extra specially revolting touches as well.  Even though this book isn't out till April 2013, I'm already mega-excited about it.  If you'd like to read more about my grimsome, gruesome pirate, the link is

HERE

    

In Which I Defend Children's Books Against A Literary Twit

Today I'm over on An Awfully Big Blog Adventure giving literati novelist Martin Amis a b*ll*cking for his quite unnecessary onslaught on children's writing.  Lots of commenting going on from the lovely kidlit community, but no response from Amis (not that I expected one).  Please do go over and see what it's all about (you may want to join in!).  The link is

HERE

Feet First

Blogging. I knew it would get me eventually. In July 2008 I dipped a toe into the waters with An Awfully Big Blog Adventure--20 children's authors blogging about life, the universe and assorted literary wisdoms. I liked it, rather. What writer wouldn't relish the thought of pontificating on the page, and being read by the countless millions who had hitherto missed out on their talents? Well--maybe not millions. We have approximately 40 faithful followers, and many more lurkers in the shadows. But.... It's not my personal blog, and the blogging bug has bitten me badly--infected my blood and brain with the desire to put my rather disorderly life on the page and share it. So here I am, jumping into the rushing waters of the blogsphere feet first, where I shall, most probably, promptly drown. Whilst I am, first and foremost a writer of children's books, I am also a creator of culinary marvels, a composer of furious letters in my head, a taxi service to teenagers, a stargazer, a bard, and other things too numerous to set out on one page. This is only the start. I hope that you will come with me on a journey of discovery, and I look forward to creating a world of wonders for you, dear reader, whoever you are and wherever you come from.