Elen Caldecott

Q: What is your favourite word?

I like words that are fun to type. So words like 'pottery' or 'territory' which use the keys in the top row. Or words like 'rewards' or 'edwards' which use just one hand to type.

Q: What do you do as a hobby?

I love going to watch films. I work part-time in a cinema so this is quite easy to do. I also play a lot of sport and like getting outdoors; as long as I'm dressed for the weather!

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

To write a little bit every day. If you only write 300 words a day, you will have written around 100,000 words in a year.

Q: Where do you get your greatest ideas from?

I get lots of ideas from pictures. Between books I go to exhibitions with my notebook and write down anything interesting I see. If I have forgotten to bring a notebook then I scribble all over bus tickets and receipts instead.

Q: What was your favourite book as a child?

I read and re-read a lot of Enid Blyton's school stories, especially Malory Towers. I thought they were brilliant! I also liked some older books like The Secret Garden and The Little Princess.

Q: What book do you wish you had written?

Holes by Louis Sachar. I think it is an absolutely perfect book - funny, touching and magical.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Read and read and read. Then write a bit. Repeat for as long as you still enjoy both things.