Fiona Cummings

Q: What were you like at school?

I was very, very shy, quiet and studious when I was younger. I definitely came into my own when I was a teenager. And by that time I had a reputation as a 'good girl' so I could get away with all sorts!

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

A writer but I didn't think it was possible!

Q: Which three words describe you best?

Happy, generous, quirky

Q: What is your most treasured possession?

I was going to say Ted my Old English Sheepdog but I don't think he'd take too kindly to being referred to as a 'possession'! So it must be my piano - it was my 21st birthday present from my husband, Robert.

Q: What do you do as a hobby?

I walk Ted, play the piano, read, wander around art galleries

Q: What do you day dream about?

Having a little place in the country with a couple of cows, a few sheep and a donkey. In my dreams it is always sunny and looking after the animals is not hard work at all!

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

Much much younger. It is always a shock when I realise just how old I am!

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

Louise Rennison - I LOVE her books! She always comes across as a person you'd spend an evening laughing with.

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

Uluru - an amazing place. It really does change colour depending upon what time of day it is.

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

Be true to yourself

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

I would like to be more confident

Q: How long have you been a writer?

I've been writing for as long as I can remember, but I had my first book published in 1995 and I've never looked back!

Q: Where do you do your writing?

I have an office with a big glass desk. I always intend to keep it minimal and tidy but there are piles of books and notes everywhere.

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

The best thing is meeting the children I write for. I LOVE going into schools, it is so energising. The worst thing is probably that writing can be very lonely - there's just me and my laptop.

Q: Where do you get your greatest ideas from?

Everywhere! I always carry a notebook with me and jot down anything that amuses/interests/puzzles me. Even if it isn't relevant to the book I'm currently writing, it might trigger off lots of ideas for a story further down the line.

Q: What do you do to combat “writers’ block”?

Switch off, walk away and do something completely different. It usually works!

Q: What was your favourite book as a child?

'Five Dolls in a House' by Helen Clare and 'Paddington' by Michael Bond (I still read that today if I need cheering up!)

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Read, read, read and write, write, write. You will soon develop your own style. And most importantly - believe in yourself!