I have been drawing and writing stories for as long as I can remember, and I have always loved books—to me they are like little worlds to visit. Other things I enjoy are horse riding, travelling, gardens, the countryside, walking and chocolate. I also love animals. They are so interesting to watch. In some ways they are like we humans, and in other ways they are totally different and unique. They inspire me to make up stories, and I let my imagination go wild.
I have illustrated many educational books and picture books for my own and other people's stories, but nowadays I like to write novels. My favourite subject is horses. They are so beautiful, and it is very satisfying to build friendship and understanding with another creature . . . especially when you can ride on its back!
We live on a small farm, where there are plenty of creatures to inspire me. There is Jed the Super Dog, who does somersaults and balances sticks on his nose. There is McGooley the nasty goose, who chases one particular horse around the paddock for a while every day, just for fun. The chooks, the ducks, the cats, the wildlife—and the people, of course! —all add their own little story.
There are stories everywhere—you just have to look for them. My advice to budding writers and illustrators is to read as much as you can, and write (or draw) as often as possible. Keep all your work in a special file. Practise hard at the thing you enjoy doing. Before you know it, you will be an expert in that subject, with the confidence and knowledge to write about it. I also recommend daydreaming. That's where the best ideas come from!
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