Writing Tips

• Keep a diary and never ever ever throw it away. When I was eleven I kept a diary but when I was 14 I read it again and thought this is rubbish and threw it away. I have regretted it ever since. Please keep a diary and please don’t throw it away.

• Read read read – anything everything. All over the web you’ll find website of authors and everyone was a reader.
• I’m quoted in the book ‘How to be a Brilliant Writer’ by Jenny Alexander as saying that if you want to be a brilliant writer you have to be having some fun so you’ve got something to write about. Go and have some fun!
• If you’re serious about writing there’s a magazine called Young Writers that’s worth getting - www.young-writer.co.uk
• You could check out the tips for adult writers on this web-site.
• If you’re looking for ideas they’re everywhere. Newspapers, TV, pictures in magazines, your family, pets, school stuff etc etc.
• Try and write something everyday - then your brain knows it’s supposed to keep coming up with ideas – and will do.
• Illustrators should check out CBBC Smart http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/smart/
• You could join the YW facebook group. (I’m on facebook too.)
• Keep writing and never ever ever give up. Some writers didn’t get published until they were 80 years old – that’s staying power!

Fun Activities


Here are a some activities that you can do based on my picture books. If you're interested in writing your own picture books, take a look at my tips on writing for children.

If you have any suggestions for other fun activities, I'd love to hear them - please contact me using my contact page.

Make a magic wand

Make a butterfly finger-puppet

Make a Mondays at Monster-School face mask