I write both fiction and poetry, mostly for children and young adults (although I also write adult crime fiction as my secret passion!). My first children's book was "The Too-Tight Tutu" which is still in print after 14 years. I love reading - I think this is where my writing emerged from - the ability to create imaginary worlds is one I always hoped I'd have.In poetry, I gradually moved into verse novels in the mid 90s and my latest picture book, "Now I Am Bigger" is also in verse - free verse, not rhyming.I teach creative writing to adults, and include a big reading component in my classes, as well as learning about the publishing industry. I also do school visits, and love question time from the kids. You never quite know what they might ask you!