Gill Porter

Q: What were you like at school?

Scatter-brained and messy, mostly. I like to think I was quite a nice child, but I did show my pet spider, Cyril, to a teacher who had a fear of creepy crawlies. So I probably wasn't that nice after all.

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

An eagle or a vet.

Q: What is your favourite word?

Toast.

Q: What makes you cringe?

Things I say off the top of my head before I engage my brain to speak.

Q: What are you afraid of?

Ironing. I avoid it at all costs.

Q: What is your most treasured possession?

The things I treasure most, I do not possess. They are my family and friends. All other things I can live without. (Although I am very fond of toast)

Q: What do you do as a hobby?

Swim. I have a secret desire to swim the English Channel, but I'm a bit put off by the thought of cross-channel ferries and Portuguese man-o-wars. I'd have to brush up on my French too.

Q: What’s your favourite food?

Toast.

Q: What do you day dream about?

Everything and anything. When I'm hungry, I dream about toast too.

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

Couldn't possibly tell you.

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

Wildlife photographer.

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

Always younger. I get a huge shock when I see my reflection in a shop window and realise it's me!

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

Kindness.

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

Avoid following sensible advice. It's usually boring.

Q: What has life taught you?

Family and friends matter most. Everything else is icing on the cake.

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

I am also a vet by profession. But with an ever growing family, I wanted to spend more time at home with my children. Writing was the perfect option.

Q: Where do you do your writing?

Most of my 'writing' happens in my head. It swirls around for ages and ages before it ends up on paper or the computer screen.

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

Best things; being able to day-dream and doodle and not feel guilty about it. I can't think of any worst things.

Q: Where do you get your greatest ideas from?

Everywhere and anywhere; real-life stories, everyday happenings, ancient history, science of the future, microscopic findings to pictures from Hubble. The list is endless.

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

Eat toast.

Q: What was your favourite book as a child?

The Living World of Animals.

Q: What book do you wish you had written?

The Origin of Species.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Enjoy it.