Candy Gourlay

Q: What were you like at school?

I was funny because I was shy. Always late after break because I got lost in a book during recess. Teacher's pet.

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

A writer for children. Or a cartoonist.

Q: Which three words describe you best?

Compulsive. Geeky. Friendly.

Q: What is your favourite word?

KILIKILI! The best word in the world. It's Filipino for 'armpit'

Q: What makes you cringe?

Nastiness.

Q: What are you afraid of?

Falling into the sea!

Q: When did you last have a really good laugh?

When I ran out of petrol in the middle of the motorway because I was so busy chatting to my friend.

Q: What is your most treasured possession?

My camera.

Q: What do you do as a hobby?

I make YouTube videos.

Q: What strange habits do you have?

I chew ice cubes when I'm writing. When I turn up at my local cafe, they always serve me a tall glass of ice cubes.

Q: What’s your favourite food?

Sweet and Sour Pork Hong Kong Style.

Q: What’s the most outrageous thing you’ve done?

Persuade a famous American film director to give me an interview.

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

I'd love to make movies!

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

Younger, definitely. But then when I was younger, I felt older

Q: If you could meet one person, dead or alive, who would it be?

Mr Incredible

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

Pyongyang

Q: What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?

Hurry slowly.

Q: What would you most like to change about yourself?

I'd like my hair to always be the right cut so that I never have to go to the hairdressers!

Q: How long have you been a writer?

Since I was six.

Q: Where do you do your writing?

My husband had a beautiful office built for me in the garden. I write in the cafe up the hill.

Q: Which of your own characters do you most identify with?

A boy named Bernardo who is eight feet tall.

Q: What was your favourite book as a child?

The Prince and the Pauper by Samuel Clemens

Q: What book do you wish you had written?

The White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughrean

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

If at first you don't succeed, write another book.