Alan Snow has illustrated some great books. The best I think is called How Dogs Work. He brought out his first novel Here be Monsters in September 2005, which he has illustrated as well. (It might look fat but it's full of pictures and quick to read.) So what are the secrets of Alan's success? I thought I’d try to get some hot tips from him when he visited Honiton Library the other day.

Did you always want to be an illustrator?

I always wanted to draw. It was a chance to get paid to do what I love to do, and it beats working for a living.

What other jobs have you had?

I worked at Aardman for a while. The company that do Wallace and Gromit. I did adverts and painted smoke for one of the Wallace and Gromit films. I also did things with chickens for Chicken Run. I’ve also made a couple of wedding dresses for people. I’ve made CD-ROMs and pop videos.

How many books have you illustrated?

Since I began in 1983 its between 170 and 180 books.

Which illustrators do you like?

Ronald Searle, Ralph Steadman, William Heath Robinson, Satoshi Kitamura, Quentin Blake, John Burningham. The list could go on.

What made you write Here Be Monsters?

I was working at Aardman and the hours were long and these characters appeared in my head. They developed from there. I wanted to write something that was a good read but funny. I hope it’s worked.

Do you have children and if you do, do they like your new book?

I have a daughter of 4 and a son of 13. He said it was quite funny which is high praise indeed!

Do you draw all around the house? Walls, doors etc:

No I have a studio at home but the floor is about 2 feet deep in paper. I just have to draw.

What do you like to use to draw?

Fibre tip pens are my favourite. I sometimes use a dip pen to write with. I get through a pen a day!

Most of your illustrations are line drawings. Why?

I much prefer the drawing to colouring in. Colouring in is boring.

Are you writing another novel?

There will be a sequel in the autumn and I have been paid to write three so watch this space.

Was it easier writing a second book?

I am doing it differently. With the first one I drew loads of pictures then did the writing and my editor threw out lots of the pictures! This time I am writing first and drawing the pictures as I need them.

Do you have any advice for any would be illustrators out there?

Draw! Keep drawing and do it!