When Twister was published earlier this year, Golden Hare Books made it their Book of the Week. (A huge thank you to them for championing new authors!) I’m over the moon I’ve been invited to their beautiful bookshop for an event in Edinburgh on October 4th between 6.30pm and 8pm. I’ll be talking about the story in a fun and interactive way, perfect for children aged 8 - 12 who still believe in magic and love mystery, thrills and adventure. Come along to discover more about the tale which was a Sunday Times Book of the Week and picked by The Guardian as the one ‘must-read’ kid’s novel of the summer. I’ll also be sharing my inspirations behind the book as well as giving away a few secrets and prizes. It will also be a great opportunity for any wee budding authors out there to ask me lots of questions and there will be a signing at the end of the session. Don’t miss out on what is guaranteed to be an unforgettable whirlwind of an evening. You can purchase your tickets at goldenharebooks.com and I very much look forward to seeing you there.

I am so proud to have been shortlisted for the Fantastic Book Awards. Would you just look at the company I’m in? A huge thank you to the Lancashire School Library Service for all the hard work they do – not only encouraging kids to read but championing authors too.

I am delighted to say that Twister has now been translated into French. I’m especially pleased about this as I have many happy memories as a child holidaying with my family in both the north and south of the country. A huge thank you to the rights team at Scholastic for all their hard work and to Auzou for publishing Twister in France.

I'm delighted to announce I'm on the Scottish Book Trust's Live Literature database and available for workshops and events. I write for children because I think they are a fabulously exciting audience. I’m enthusiastic and love firing up imaginations, educating minds and empowering both girls and boys in classes or small groups. With an emphasis on fun, my aim is to develop lateral thinking, encourage reading and get creativity flowing. 

Here is the link if you'd like to find out more about me: http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/profile-author/140495

You can't beat a good baddie everyone loves to hate. Join me for a 'Vile Villains' workshop where we'll create the most despicable villains the world has possibly ever seen. Perfect for ages 8-12, you can get your FREE ticket for this event at www.outwithfestival.co.uk

This event will take place on Saturday 8th September from 11-12.30pm at Fire Station Creative, Carnegie Drive, Dunfermline, KY12 7AN. 

It's been a fantastic year so far with the launch of my first book, Twister, on February 1st. I'd like to thank all the educators, parents, librarians, bloggers and kids out there who have wholeheartedly supported the novel. It was an amazing moment when Twister was picked as the one must-read book for children aged 8-12 this summer by The Guardian. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that would happen.

I am delighted that Twister has been selected by independent booksellers to feature in The Guardian’s Best New Children’s Books of the Summer 2018. Both Victoria Rossiter and Tereze Brikmane wrote: ‘Set in a wonderfully magical world much like ours, a young girl called Twister sets out to find her missing pa. The quest is challenging, but Twister will find within herself all that she needs to complete it. A whirlwind adventure perfect for the summer holidays.’ I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the independent booksellers for their support and would ask that you purchase novels from your local bookstore or library wherever possible. The work they do to keep kids passionate about reading is so important.

The great writer, Anatole France, once said that “until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” I love dogs. For as long as I can remember they have always been around – from my gran’s grumpy poodle who rolled in unmentionable things to my family’s cocker spaniel who was more talkative than some of my classmates at school. With all these years spent in their company, I understand the special bond that exists between a child and their dog. That was why one of my favourite characters to write was Point: Twister’s shadow and faithful companion. Naughty, playful, loyal and on a mission to piddle on as many trees as he could, I based Point on the dog that I share my life with now: a rescue from Cyprus called Vince. I don’t know much about Vince’s background except he was a stray, captured by the dog warden and shoved into the municipal pound, which is bad news in the doggy world. Known as ‘kill shelters’ the dogs are put to sleep if nobody claims them after a few days. Fortunately for Vince, there was a charity called the Wild at Heart Foundation who help dogs abroad (and at home). They fund shelters with non-kill policies, pay for vaccination and neutering programmes, successfully rehome many pooches and educate the locals – for instance, in Cyprus, it is believed black dogs bring bad luck.

When Vince arrived in Scotland, he turned my world upside down. He stole food, shredded paper, disobeyed me in obedience classes, refused to walk down busy streets and yowled at squirrels so loudly, people would stop to ask if he was in pain. However, from the very moment he bounded into my life, he bowled me over with his courage, humour, joy and loving heart, and it was this spirit I was determined to capture in Point.