Anita Loughrey

Q: What were you like at school?

At school I was very quiet. I liked to keep my head down and get on with my work. Englsih and History were my favourite subjects. I liked writing and I loved doing projects.

Q: What did you want to be when you were a child?

When I was a child I wanted to be a writer. As I grew up I forgot this dream for a while and became a primary school teacher. But, after I had my own children I remembered my dream.

Q: Which three words describe you best?

Thoughtful Determined Enthusiastic

Q: What is your favourite word?

Cool

Q: What is your most treasured possession?

My most treasured possession is my teddy bear, which I lost this April 2010. I am sure he is off on an adventure somewhere and will turn back up again one day.

Q: What do you do as a hobby?

As a hobby I love to go camping. We recently bought a VW Campervan and every weekend we go travelling around to see different places. It is great fun.

Q: What’s your favourite food?

My favourite food is spagetti bolognaise. But, not any old spagetti bolognaise. It has to be the one my Mum makes, because she is the best cook ever.

Q: What do you day dream about?

I day dream about my stories.

Q: What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?

If I was not a writer I might like to be a dancer, like on Strictly. I never said I would be any good at it but, I reckon it would be fun.

Q: Do you feel younger or older than your current age?

Younger. In my head I am 10.

Q: What quality do you most admire in a person?

Dedication

Q: What is the most interesting place you have ever visited?

I love Tintagel. It is one of the most beautiful and inspiring places I know.

Q: How long have you been a writer?

I have been a writer since 2002.

Q: Was there a specific moment in your life when you decide to become a writer?

Yes, there was a specific moment when I decided I wanted to be a writer. It was when I was pregnant with my third child and realised I no longer wanted to work full time, I wanted to do something that I could fit around my children and family. So I gave up teaching and became a writer.

Q: Where do you do your writing?

I have my own study to write in.

Q: What are the best and worst things about being an author?

The best thing about being an author is you are allowed to day dream and you can call it working. The worst thing is is often gets very lonely.

Q: Where do you get your greatest ideas from?

Most of my best ideas come to me in my sleep.

Q: What was your favourite book as a child?

My favourite book as a child was The Magician's Nephew by C S Lewis.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

My advice to aspiring authors is to keep writing and developing your craft. There is no limit to what you can learn. Everybody is constantly in a state of learning, so do not give up.