Joanne Owen

Q: What were you like at school?

Pretty studious but I also played a lot of sport, especially tennis and hockey. I really loved languages and the humanities, but wasn't so good at Maths and Science.

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

I wanted to be a writer from a very young age and used to make folders of illustrated poems. I also wanted to be a doctor and Rapunzel at different points.

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

It has to be Prague, which was the direct inspiration for my first books, 'Puppet Master' and 'The Alchemist & the Angel'. I have Prague to thank for nudging me to do what I'd always hoped for - writing and having books published. Berlin comes a very close second.

Q: What is your favourite word?

Hmm... Tricky. I use the word crazy a lot. I'm also fond of "trip", as in "I'm going on a trip" and "cubes" because of the way it sounds.

Q: What is your most treasured possession?

I couldn't be without my laptop, and I also treasure my accordion - my favourite ever Christmas present.

Q: What do you do as a hobby?

I play bass guitar and accordion in a band, but it's more than a hobby really. We've released several albums and perform around Europe.

Q: What’s your favourite food?

Sausages, goulash, cheese, cherries, raspberries and strawberries.

Q: What do you day dream about?

New ideas for stories, living in Berlin or Prague, having a big brown dog.

Q: What has life taught you?

Never neglect your hopes.

Q: What was your favourite book as a child?

Meg and Mog and Mr Men when I was very young, then Alf Prøysen's Mrs Pepperpot stories and Roald Dahl when I was a little older. My favourites were Fantastic Mr Fox and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. When I was older still, The Silver Sword was a favourite, and I've always loved fairy tales, especially Rapunzel and Little Red Riding Hood.

Q: How long have you been a writer?

I've written since I was very young, had reviews and articles published from around 1997 and my first novel was published in 2008.

Q: Where do you do your writing?

Mainly in our living room, but I'm not precious about needing special circumstances to write in. Sometimes having noise and bustle around is helpful.

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

Going for a long walk can really help free up your thoughts. I've solved a few tricky plot problems that way.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

To write and keep writing! I think it's important to spend time developing ideas, to see them through. Not only is it hugely satisfying to finish a piece of work, but it's also the best way to learn about plot and structure and character development: how to make your story work as a whole.

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

I have an early memory of noticing that the author of a series of books called The Garden Gang was only a few years older than me. I remember thinking then that maybe I could write my own books too. I must have been around seven.