1. I was born in San Francisco but moved to England when I was young.
2. After school I travelled around the Middle East. I clipped horses’ hooves (terrifying), cleaned sheeps’ bottoms (revolting), and worked as a shepherd (easy – you just sit there watching sheep. Sheep do nothing.)
3. I studied Egyptology at university. I learned to read hieroglyphics, which is a cool party trick.
4. During a summer break, I tried to cycle across Alaska. I didn’t even get half way.
5. By the end of university, I wanted to write stories. So I can’t explain how I ended up working in advertising. I was rubbish at it.
6. I was much better at writing books, so I started doing that instead. I’ve since written all sorts of different books, including seven novels for children. This website goes on about those quite a bit, so you can find out more here.
7. When I’m not writing, I’m usually running. I especially like running up and down mountains. I call that fun, but I appreciate it doesn’t really SOUND like fun.
8. I have several scars from a motorbike accident.
9. I have never learned to ride a motorbike (these two facts are painfully connected)
10. If you ever meet me I guarantee that I will have a roll of tape in my pocket. And I’ll explain why.