Fans are everything to an author aren't they. When I write my stories I want to take the reader along with me. I want her/him to see what I see, hear what I hear and feel what I feel. I also want them to experience the magic of escapism, to enter a world which may differ from the one they are familiar with.

I am working on the sequel to 'Murder in the School.'

There are almost too many to list. However the ones who spring to mind are Miss Read, P.D.James and Colin Watson. I love reading Miss Read's books for her love of the countryside and her observation of character, P.D.James for the detail and atmosphere she puts in her stories and Colin Watson for his expertise at dark humour.

I'm always up early but I also go to bed early. Each day brings new surprises both good and bad and the inspiration to take my stories further.

I love reading, gardening and craft. I also like to watch people.

By recommendation mainly.

Yes, it was a story about rabbits.

I write at home in private with music in the background. I have a special place to go and write. There I find comfort and time stretches out.

I think it was Black Beauty. It's a wonderful story. Alice in Wonderland introduced me to a fantasy world, which I don't think I ever quite left.

I try and match the cover to the story. I like simple designs which allow the reader to use his/ her imagination too.

That's a difficult question, but I suppose I would say: 1) Village Centenary by Miss Read because it so well describes the passage of time. 2) A Taste For Murder by P.D. James because it is a page turner. 3) Coffin Scarcely Used by Colin Watson for its sheer hilarious dark humour. 4) To Stir a Magic Cauldron for it is pure magic and 5) Blackberry Wine by Joanne Harris because it is a delight to read from page one.