Steve Alton

Q: What were you like at school?

Too quiet

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

A vet, then a zoo keeper. Until I realised I didn't like blood or animal poo.

Q: What is your favourite word?

Indeed

Q: What are you afraid of?

Heights. And drowning.

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

About 5 minutes ago

Q: What do you do as a hobby?

Grow insect-eating plants

Q: What strange habits do you have?

I always tie crisp packets into a knot.

Q: What’s your favourite food?

Lamb. Anything involving lamb.

Q: What do you day dream about?

Having a studio/workshop of my own

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

Been driven backwards through the streets of Florence at great speed in a golf cart

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

Making fireworks

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

Much, much younger. Except in the morning

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

Ascension Island

Q: How long have you been a writer?

Ten years

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

It wasn't a decision - it just happened!

Q: Where do you do your writing?

In a shed.

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

Getting feedback from readers is great, sitting in a shed on your own for hours isn't

Q: Where do you get your greatest ideas from?

I soak up ideas from everywhere around me

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

They're all me.

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

I just write my way through it

Q: What was your favourite book as a child?

The Lord of the Rings

Q: What book do you wish you had written?

The Dark is Rising, by Susan Cooper

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Just keep at it. Always