When did you first think about becoming a writer?

It happened when I moved back down to Devon.  I woke up one sunny morning and the first line of “Waking Merlin” popped into my head.  Since then I haven’t been able to stop writing!

What kind of books do you write?

So far it’s been adventure stories - with  a sprinkling of magic and a large dollop of humour.

I like to snowboard! What's your favourite thing to do in winter?

Hibernate.

What other jobs have you had?

All sorts.  I worked in a bookshop, an arts centre and a zoo.  Then I joined Storybox Theatre and became an actress and a puppeteer.

Do you have a favourite place where you work on your books?

The actual writing is done on the computer, but a lot of the ideas come about when I’m cycling up and down the Tarka Trail, or walking my children to and from school.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Anywhere and everywhere – reading snippets in newspapers, hearing things on the radio, watching stuff on tv.  I’m like a magpie – collecting useful little gems of information and hoarding them for later use.

Do you have any favourite children's author's or books?

I have so many favourites I can’t list them all!   When I was a child I loved Stig of the Dump, Charlotte’s Web, Elidor  and The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.  My favourite living writer is Geraldine McCaughrean  – she has a golden touch. I also love Mal Peet,  Eoin Colfer, Philip Reeve, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Morris Gleitzman, Anne Fine, JK Rowling,  Rodman Philbrick, Debi Gliori..... How long do you want me to go on?

Are you working on any new material now?

I’ve been writing something for teenage/adult readers.  It’s very different from anything I’ve done before, and it’s been very exciting to work on. It will be published in 2007.

Have you any words of advice for young writers in Devon?

Have fun with your writing – enjoy taking ideas for a walk.  Absolutely anything is possible when you release your imagination!

These are some of the books Tanya's written. Why not check them out!