The Queen and her Council will be notified a month in advance of any gatherings where there will be fireworks.  There have been too many instances in the past where fireworks displays have been used as a cover to hide some of the nastier spells being unleashed against the innocent.  Those organizing such gatherings will be vetted so if any witch thinks they can disguise themselves to get round this, think again as the Queen and her Council will put all the detect/reveal charms on any candidates and there are hundreds of such spells.  The same applies to wizards.  The Queen and her Council expect high standards for magically produced fireworks.  The Queen especially likes artistry and magic can be used to produce something special here.

The Queen herself sometimes produces fireworks, mainly to amuse herself and to show those hoity-toity wizards she can do it too and better.  There have been a few incidents of sprites overdoing their own skills trying to produce fireworks rather than wait for their betters to do better.  It's easy to tell when this happens.  Half a village usually gets burned down and those villagers made homeless tend to take out their own punishment on passing sprites if government officials can't get there first and make the right promises.  (The government officials get put in the stocks if they're late with delivering said promises.  There are many who feel this system should come to Earth).

Eileen likes producing fireworks and does so when on her own at home.  She likes to see it as keeping her hands in.  She also relishes taking those too noisy fireworks someone sets up to go off at awkward moments and then fire them at the offender to see how they like being startled.   They generally don't.  She rarely has to repeat her actions here.

 

In any magical contest cheating is expected but never condoned. Those caught out will be obliterated by one of the Queen’s specialist spells.  This is given as fair and proper warning.  The Queen does not expect any whinging over this (thought she would point out that anyone obliterated is going to have a hard time whinging about anything).  This law is devised on the SYR principle (Serve You Right) and there are no exceptions.  Remember that everybody will be looking out for cheats so it is best to assume you will be caught out by one of the Queen’s Council and/or Eileen.  If caught by the latter, you will never hear the end of it before you then face obliteration.  Indeed it’s quite likely you’ll be pleading for the end to come.  Eileen can go on at some length and does.

All magical groups are expected to vote regularly on their leader.  Elections should be held every two years.  All voting is to be seen to be fair and free.  No magic will be allowed to be used in these elections. Any candidate using magic to aid their cause will be disqualified at once.  Given there are 22 differing magical species, the elections will be split equally so that 11 groups vote at a time.  FNN is not allowed to interfere in the elections though they can report the results.  Nobody in the Kingdom is going to be bored out of their skulls with endless political programming.  Other worlds would do well to take the same tack.

All magical groups will follow best magical practice.  Guidelines will be issued regularly by the Queen and her Council.  Whilst the Queen and her Council expect the witches, wizards of an evil disposition and sprites to totally ignore this ruling, these groups should bear in mind that gives the fairy government the perfect excuse to take action against them.  The government would also point out that in the event of the Kingdom being attacked by outside forces yet again all species are expected to come to the realm’s defence on the basis of “better the devil you know”.  Those who wish to steal the Kingdom’s powers will take them from everybody.

Always Use Quality Ingredients
Regardless of what species you are, those of you that need ingredients for your spells will always use the best quality available and make sure they are responsibly sourced.  Shabby ingredients equals shabby results.  Kill all the sources of ingredients and you have a long term problem.  Those of an evil disposition will be aware that the Queen and her Council can have a good guess at what spells you will use given there are only so many magical ingredients available to anyone.  The Queen and her Council reserve the right to magical self defence.  Those of an evil disposition would be better off changing their opinion.

Keeping Specialist Skills updated
Those in direct service to the Queen and her Council will keep their specialist skills up to date at all times.  They will prove their prowess with these skills at times to suit the Queen and her Council.  It is expected that time to practice these skills will be taken outside of any Council or other official duties due to be carried out by those affected by this ruling.  In other words, no skiving off to get your practice in!  If the Queen and her Council feel more practice sessions are needed, this will be accepted without argument but you can be assured they will not ask for these without due cause.  They are not in the business of winding people up.  That gets left to the sprites.

Magical Creatures
Magical creatures are not to be harmed.  They each come with their own curse and the Queen has no wish to spend the rest of her reign trying to restore those foolish folk who ignored this advice (well those where there’s enough left to attempt to restore them anyway).  Those of an evil disposition who use these creatures for their foul purposes are unlikely to read these rules yet alone obey them.  They deserve everything they’ve got coming.  The Queen and her Council hope they get a decent ringside seat to watch poetic justice being handed out.  The Queen is always keen to pick up hints on how to improve her own magical skills.

Survival of the Fittest
The humans have a phrase “survival of the fittest”.  Not only is that true in the magical realm, it is equally valid to say the fastest will survive.  So therefore all magical beings in the direct service of the Queen and her Council will practice firing spells at targets, drawing wands (or staffs) at speed and be ready at any time to demonstrate that practice has been carried out.  The Queen and her Council are experienced enough to be able to tell when “revision” of this nature has been carried out.  Also all magical beings will be responsible to their species’ leader and be able to demonstate regular practice is being carried out to them too.


 

When it comes to magical practice, it usually is a question of do or die.  Well you can't say you weren't told...

• Nobody will ever try to out-perform the Queen magically.  Not only will you fail, it is extremely bad manners and the last one who tried it, Brankaresh, was executed by Eileen.

• The Restricted Section in the Library has always been and always will be totally out of bounds to all sprites as you simply cannot be trusted with the information contained here.  Over ambitious wizards should be aware that if they use this section too often questions will be asked and answers obtained (if necessary by force).
• Every magical group must give notice of when it will be holding practice sessions.  This is particularly important in the case of the sprites.  It is only fair on the rest of the Fairy Kingdom that proper notice is given so people can make arrangements to get well out of the way.  Any group not giving proper notice will be punished by being put in the direct line of the sprites’ next magical practice session.  If the sprites are guilty they will be fed head first to the nearest passing dragon.  The Queen and her Council consider these to be reasonable deterrents.  Magic must be practiced sensibly and safely.
• The Chief Wizard, appointed by the Queen and approved by the Council, must oversee that magic produced by his brothers.  We cannot possibly want over-ambitious wizards getting above themselves again, do we?  Oh dearie me no.  Should a potentially too dangerous spell escape the Chief Wizard’s scrutiny, he’ll be executed as will the owner of the originally performed spell.  There is no place to hide.  You will be caught out.  Folk who inform on crimes like this will be very well protected and rewarded.  The Queen likes to encourage virtue.  The Kingdom is short of it at times.  (Though we do far better than humanity, which is a relief).
• Each head of species is expected to control the behaviour of the rest of their ilk.  It is noted that the sprites do not have leaders as they never agree on one.  This means it is fair game for every other magical species to discipline sprites on behalf of the rest of the realm.  Sprites will not whinge about this.  It will only waste time and breath as nobody will take any notice.  If sprites want to change this situation, they must improve their own behaviour.  Each head of species will give a detailed annual account of their species’ activities to the Queen and her Council.  Royal visits are to be encouraged to boost morale.
• The major magical species will not under any circumstances decide to “take out” the sprites just because they are powerful enough to do it.  That is seldom a good enough reason to do anything and the sprites do have a right to exist.  Though they would do well to note their existence would be smoother and longer were they not to fight so much.  They would also be well advised not to try to provoke the other species.  Whilst the Queen and her Council are banning the “taking out” of sprites, they are not outlawing various species’ rights to take “defensive” action against neighbouring sprites being a complete pain in the posterior.  The Queen and her Council note that some of these “defensive” actions are likely to hurt.  They themselves will make sure of it.
  

All inhabitants of the Fairy Kingdom know these rules.   The in house competitions are used by the villages to settle local scores and a good time is generally had by all.  Oh and the bit about those capable of the greatest magic being made to face up to magical crimes they commit... well they generally don't care and the likes of Eileen are sent after them.  That never goes down well - Eileen generally does get her man, man-eating monster, bad fairy, dodgy witch etc.


You will service all magical equipment at least once a week.  This includes keeping your spell books in tip top condition.  In this modern age there is no excuse for getting candlewax on your precious manuscripts.  Use a torch!

Each species group will have its own in house competitions so it can practice its skills and “let off steam” in a way that must be harmless to all in the vicinity including the environment.  The Queen and her Council take a very dim view on anyone harming the environment.  Though sprites are welcome to blast each other to the next world should they insist and make sure they don’t take anyone else out with them.

Those superior species capable of taking the sprites out in one go should be aware they will be watched by the Queen and her Council.  It should be stressed this will not be for tips as to how such a removal task should be undertaken.  Even though the Queen and her Council gladly acknowledge what pests the sprites can be, it should be stressed that everyone including the sprites has a right to live and that right will be upheld.  Those capable of the greatest magic, and therefore the greatest magical crimes, will be held to a tougher accounting of themselves than the lower ranks.  You cannot say you were not warned.

Eileen
I love Eileen for her honour, honesty and courage.  Her spiky awkward attitude is the flip side.  She’s utterly committed to Derek, Jennifer, Edward and, for Jennifer’s sake, Paul too. She sees magic’s disadvantages and is not afraid to criticize her own side.  She sees her royal status as something to be used to help people rather than to advance herself.  She loathes evil.  She is incorruptible. She sees through flim-flam, which is why she never got on with Brankaresh. The fact she is prepared to follow her heart and principles by going to earth and turning her back on all she’s known takes great courage.  It would’ve been easier to dump Derek and stay in the magical realm.

Jenny
I love Jenny for being prepared to stand up to her mother, which many in the magical world would not do. Jenny doesn’t abandon Eileen after the latter’s devastating revelation as to what she is despite the girl realizing immediately the fallout from this story is going to hit her hard.  Jenny knows her own mind (can’t think where she gets that from!, well actually I can!) and marries a man she loves, like her mother did, despite Eileen taking an instant dislike to Paul.  Later as Jenny comes to terms with her new status as a half fairy, she finds her own way of using the magic she’s inherited in her blood from Eileen and that she was given by the dying fairy, Rose. Jenny certainly does not do anything simply because her mother says she should

The Fairy Queen - Roxannadrell
The Fairy Queen is devoted to her realm, though devastated at coming to the throne thanks to the assassination of her mother.  The Queen feels duty is all and wants nothing to wreck the realm again, understandable given the Fairy Kingdom has been beset by wars.  The Queen feels calm is crucial especially after her mother’s death.  The Queen does have courage and honour, recognizes people’s true abilities but cannot understand why all are not as committed to the cause as she herself is.  She sees Eileen as a loose cannon to be controlled, which is true to a certain extent, though she would’ve been better off dealing with Eileen’s discontent.  The Queen also recognizes L’Evallier’s character for what it is and knows she needs him to tell her true, especiallly when she hates it.

The Chief Witch
The Chief Witch has grievances and good reason to hold them.  She has more honesty and honour than most of her ancestors holding the hereditary title. She blames the fairy royals for losses to her family but is less keen to admit some relatives brought their misfortunes on themselves. She has a soft spot for Eileen, though the godmother is her chief rival.  The Witch is intelligent, determined not to make the mistakes her ancestors did, but is blinded by her wish to take the throne and wield the ultimate magical power.  She genuinely feels she has a better claim to the throne.  Her one big mistake was not to take Eileen’s offer of an olive branch. That mistake ultimately kills the Witch…

My love of fantasy comes directly from my love of fairytales. Dad bought me the Readers’ Digest series of original fairytales, two huge volumes, which I’ve still got and which have had to be kept together with gaffer tape!  I spent many a happy hour reading these.  I must have had them since I was about 7 or so. The books contain the tales of Perrault, Anderson and Grimm.  There are also wonderful illustrations.  I understand only too well why Disney produced the version of The Little Mermaid the way they did.  The original version does not end nearly so well... would probably have been a hard sell.

My parents also have a leather bound edition of The Pilgrim's Progress which is told in caption/cartoon style with fantastic (in every sense) drawings of the main characters.  The hobgoblins are convincing (and I'm sure gave me more than one nightmare when I was a kid, but then that would fall within their job remit).  So since I was very young I've been immersed in fantastic stories and they, to me, just seem the right thing to write.

I think the reason I love fairytales so much is they are honest, often funny stories dealing with what comes up in the battle between good and evil (and I adore the fact the villains nearly always get their comeuppance).   Like most kids, gruesome ends for those who deserved it always went down well, as that genius, Roald Dahl, knew. 

I thought I'd post one of my favourite flash fiction pieces.  Hope you like it.  Even a fairytale stepmother has her version of events...


JUST DESSERTS

I was told years ago signs heralded new starts, to remember there was no such thing as coincidence and I’d do well to heed these things.  Much good that advice has done for me.

At last I stop running.  At last I rest under this ancient fruit tree for a while and remember the idiocy that forced me to run for my life, pursued by angry dwarves at that – oh the humiliation.  They came close to catching me too.  If there was a species you’d think could be easily outrun, it’d be the dwarves but not for me it seems.  I only escaped thanks to the underground river I knew about and they didn’t.

It is so galling to know I did have the luxurious life I’d always wanted.  One stupid mistake and I threw it away.  Mother warned me about my pride decades ago.  A little humility and I wouldn’t be in this mess now.  That hurts…  But I’ve got to face it.  There is nobody else to blame.  I got my new start by marrying well, then one little problem rears her ugly face and I think get rid of her and all would be well.  I was wrong.  I shouldn’t have been.

The red apple was my big mistake.  Sounds stupid, doesn’t it?  How could one measly piece of fruit bring me down?  But it did.  Thinking back as I rest, wishing I had the usual dozen servants to attend to my wants, I know now the apple smacked of not thinking things through, which is unlike me, and of meanness, which is my besetting sin.  I’ve been poor.  I’ve known what it’s like to struggle.  I never wanted to be that way again so I’ve always thought twice about unnecessary expenditure. 

I should’ve realised extra expense would’ve been worth it to stop being saddled with a Goody Two Shoes of a stepdaughter.  After all she is of marriageable age.  There must have been a Kingdom and prince suitably far away we could’ve sent her to, happily married and all that.  But, oh no, she was determined to cling to Daddy, wasn’t she?  Nor did she make any attempt to get along with yours truly.  All I ever heard from the whinging, spoilt little madam was how saintly her late mother was.  Trust me, you get sick of hearing that quickly.  But I admit I overreacted.  I know that now – when it’s too late to do anything about it.

If I had been more thoughtful to the King’s wretched brat, just the once, I wouldn't be here now. I was Queen.  I should still be Queen.  And for some reason he doesn’t want to know me now because I refused to kow-tow to his kid.  Yes she may be a princess born but I am a Queen.  If Her Nibs had been prepared to kow-tow just a little, I would’ve reconsidered my attitude.  But Madam would give nothing - why the hell should I be expected to do all of the running?  Ironic, isn’t it, I’m running for real now.  I never liked cross-country at school.  I loathe it now!

I shake myself.  I’m rambling, which I hate in others and dislike in myself.  I should've remembered success happens when one undertakes a task properly. Knowing Snow White's fondness for desserts, (not publicized, she jealously guards her image, that girl is so vain and you should’ve seen how snooty she was when I first moved in, talk about pride), I should've baked a proper apple pudding, the luscious one with the caramel sauce, and poisoned her with that. 

The way that girl scoffed puddings there was no way any apple would've been left in her throat for that chinless wonder Charming to get out.  Still my one mildly amusing thought is given she likes her image to remain spotless he’s in for a disappointing wedding night!   I didn’t disappoint the King.  Why doesn’t that mean anything to him?  How could anyone like, yet alone love that meek, wildlife-loving idiot of a girl?

Something hard has just hit my head.  I’m not moving.  I know what the object was.  I accept this is no coincidence.  Someone somewhere is trying to tell me something.   I can see the object where it stopped by my feet.  If I need a sign of the way my luck is going, I’ve just received it.  I was hit by another bloody red apple!  New beginnings, new starts – ha!   They’re not for me, I tell you.  Once I get away from here, I’m going to become a hermit.  Even I can’t get into trouble doing that – can I?



THE END

Are there any books you wouldn’t be without?
Yes, the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook, anything by Wodehouse, Pride and Prejudice, the latest Discworld novel and I usually find a great writing book at the Winchester Writers’ Conference.

How many drafts do you produce?
Regardless of what I’m writing, at least three.  I need to get the story down first, then edit it for sense and structure and make sure I’ve got the story right, before going through it for spelling mistakes, grammar and so on.  Novels take more drafts as there’s so much more material to keep on top of so obviously need more work.  Editing for story structure and sense is really important here.  For scripts, I need to be able to “hear” the voices in my head once I’ve got the script prepared.  It has to “feel” real.

When writing, do you “see” images or “hear” voices first?
I hear characters speaking.  I heard Eileen’s strident voice before “picturing” her.  I think of my creative mind as being like my parents’ old huge television set where the sound came in first, followed by the pictures, you had to give it time to warm up before getting those pictures and sometimes you needed to give the box a clout on the side to make sure the pictures did come through.  To date I have not yet had to whack myself around the head to force through my “internal vertical hold” but I suspect that may only be a matter of time!  Having said that, I think hearing voices is great for dialogue writing and you can get a good idea (though not always the right idea) of how someone looks from how they sound.  Most of the time you’ll be on the right lines but there will be an exception to the rule that stumps you from time to time.  Seeing pictures I suppose could give pointers as to how someone is likely to speak but doesn’t allow for people who’ve “bettered” themselves (or are seeming to put on a false front).

Do you have fixed routines for writing?
Generally I write in the evenings (and use odd times during the day to catch up with professional reading, emails and son on).  I find I switch into “writing mode” as if I’d never left it.  I think it would be easy to let your writing go if you don’t put particular slots of the day aside for writing.  And I have found the more I write, it’s easier to get ideas, to trigger other ideas and it is a joy finding potential new markets.  Things that would once have taken a few weeks to sort out, I can now do in under a week.  Being at the computer promptly is crucial for me – there’s always loads to do.

Do you write directly to screen or does a proper pen and paper have to come into your work somewhere?
It depends on what I’m working on.   Short stories do tend to be written directly to screen.  For novels, I like using a pen and paper and use this as a chance to just write the story, switching off my internal editor.  I use the typing up as my first edit, to delete the unintended repetitions (there are always some!), to start checking that my story structure makes sense.  Poems I often draft on a scrap piece of paper.  Scripts I tend to do direct to screen.  I can see the advantages of direct to screen but wouldn’t want to lose the physical act of writing altogether.

Do you write daily?
Generally, yes.  I don’t always do a stint on all the things I work on in one go but I like to make sure I’ve written something.  I like to take time off for holidays, certain family birthdays, including mine (!), but at least I can plan my writing around these and I usually end up doing more in the few days before these events and again afterwards so my word count probably averages out to much the same number as if I did write on a strictly daily basis.  I also think because I “allow” for holidays like this I find my writing routine easy to stick to.

What part of a story/novel/script do you enjoy writing the most?  The first or final drafts?
I must admit I feel a certain amount of relief once I’ve written the first draft as I know I then I have something to work with and knock into shape.  I know I overwrite so I know a lot will have to come out but there is satisfaction to be had “feeling”  your story tighten up as you get rid of repetitions, tighten up the prose and so on. What can be tough is knowing what is the final draft.  There can be a temptation to keep working on something and never let it go out into the big bad world!  I love coming up with the idea in the first place and then getting it on to paper, editing is a joy for the reasons given above, but coming to the end is satisfying and sad at the same time as I know I’ve then got to move on.  Having said that, it opens up the door to getting on with a new story and enjoying the writing experience all over again!

What type of writing do you like most – short stories, novels or scripts?
I love all of them and for ages I found short stories almost impossible to write given the confinements of word counts (at least with novels you do have some room to expand your characters and plot).  It is when I realised, having read this, that a short story is only meant to capture one moment in time I found I could write these and am delighted I’ve had a few published on the web, been shortlisted in Writers’ News for a few and been commended at the Winchester Writers’ Conference.  I love reading short stories too – when there isn’t time for a novel but you need a reading fix, these are ideal.  I love with novels being able to explore my characters’ motivations and back stories more as long as these propel the plot along.  I also enjoy ending chapters on cliffhangers!  Scripts I adore as I’ve always enjoyed writing dialogue and I love listening to radio scripts.  I love the way radio can take you anywhere and everywhere without having to leave the house and would love to write professionally for it.

How long does a short story take you to write?
It depends on the short story!  Some will just flow out, others I need to have several drafts to get right but I aim to get at least one story out a month to meet the deadlines for Writers’ News/Writing Magazine competitions.  I usually try to get another story out too if I can either to Shortbread or one of the many festival and other writing competitions.  If I wasn’t writing other things, I could get more work out but given I can only write part time I’m relatively happy with this.  I would, of course, like to do more but without losing quality.

How long does a novel take you to write?
Ages is the simplest answer!  I do several drafts.  I think two years is probably a good estimate.  As with short stories, I could almost certainly speed this up by not writing so much other material (though I must admit I enjoy writing my blogs and putting in background and other material not in the novels themselves).  I think it vitally important not to rush the drafts’ stages.  What matters is getting the story right.  When you get to the point you really can’t think of anything else to add or take out, then there’s the time to start submitting to the market and test the water.

Do you find writing conferences helpful?  If so, why?
Yes!  Some are more helpful than others as it all depends on the courses/talks they’re offering but I’ve not been to one yet where I came away feeling it was a waste of time.  I’ve always learned something new.  It’s also lovely meeting other writers, finding out what they do and talking about what I do.  It’s great I suppose to have a truly sympathetic ear.  While family and friends are very supportive (and I know I’m lucky there), only another writer will understand the frustrations of having lots to write and not enough time, or having the time and your wonderful ideas suddenly don’t seem so great after all.  Also being able to talk about what part of a story you found most difficult or the most enjoyable to write really only means something to those who also write.  And given writing conferences also promote books (especially the creative writing ones), there’s much to enjoy there too!  Those that run competitions are helpful as if you manage to be Commended or to win it’s not just a boost for the ego, it looks good for the writing CV too.

Who is your favourite character in other authors’ works?
Sam Vimes in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series because the character goes from being a hopeless drunk to a brave, decent commander and married to the lovely, sensible, equally decent Lady Sybil (who is one of my favourite female characters).  Also because Sam Vimes has such a clear sense of right and wrong and tries to be a decent copper despite politics trying to get in the way and he is doesn’t fear Vetinari.


 

What do you listen to whilst writing?  Some authors like silence, others have music on so what is your choice?
It’s neither. I like listening to Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra. I use these as an acid test for whatever I’m writing.  If I hear most of the programme, my scene is not gripping enough.  If I barely hear the programme, I’ve probably written a winner.  Usually it’s half and half, meaning I’ve got a promising scene but it needs a darned good edit before it goes anywhere!  Not that I’m worried about this as practically any piece of writing is improved by said darned good edit!  I’ve found listening to music influences my mood and therefore what I write.  Very occasionally I have used a certain piece of music to put me into the mood I want to be in to write a certain scene but I consider music to be a kind of performance changing drug for writers so I avoid listening to it while I work.

What is the first thing you had published?
In print this was my short story, A Helping Hand, which was part of Bridge House Publishing’s Alternative Renditions anthology. The book is a retelling of renowned fairy tales from the viewpoints of other characters in the stories.  Mine was told from Cinderella’s youngest ugly sister’s viewpoint and let’s say she’s not flattering about dear old Cinders!  On the web, it would be my stories and poems on the Shortbread Short Stories website.  Some of the pieces I’ve put on here started life as competition entries for things like the Winchester Writers’ Conference.  Waste not, want not!

Do you find writing therapeutic?  Has it changed your life at all?
Definitely and I think it encourages empathy as you have to be able to identify with your characters and their motivations to be able to write convincingly about them.  Writing can be a great way of exploring themes that intrigue or anger you and getting those feelings out on paper can be amazingly healing.  The clever bit is to do that via characters without making it seem like a rant and that it’s all part of a story.  Writing has meant I’ve gone to conferences and met friends, taken part in writing exercises where you produce work on the spot and then read it out, been shortlisted in a national award so I attended the Gala evening (it was nice to put on some glitz!) so yes I think it’s safe to say writing’s changed my life – for the better.  And I’ve seen my name in print once and have stories and poems on the web which I would not have done otherwise.  Whilst I would like the novels published, I still feel as if I’m achieving something in getting work out there.  That feeling of achievement is so helpful because I try to use it to spur me on to better writing.  I enjoy having work out in the post or en route to online competitions – it’s always good to be in with a chance and when anything is shortlisted it can go on my writing CV.

If writing was banned on pain of death for one month, what else would you do?
Scream?!  Seriously, I’d be working out ideas so when the ban was lifted I could get straight on with the next writing piece.  Thinking time is always good.  (I’d cheat and make discreet notes while preparing something else but so once the ban was lifted I’d be straight back on to my writing projects again).  If I was allowed to take notes I’d have jotted down my thoughts.  I’d catch up on my reading as that’s the enjoyable flipside to wanting to write.  To want to write means having to read and you can figure out what works in a book and what doesn’t so you can “copy” the good bits and ignore the weaker elements.  Also you need to know what you like and dislike to know what you want to write (or not write as the case may be).

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?
To accept the need to rewrite, rewrite and rewrite no matter how long it takes. It’s tough sometimes to accept the need to rewrite a novel. But I’ve never regretted editing and inevitably my work is stronger for it.  I’ve been told I’m very good at getting into my characters’ heads.

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?
Don’t give up.  Read widely and include non-fiction if you write fiction as factual accounts can spark off interesting ideas to help you flesh out your made up worlds.  Be professional with spelling, grammar, how you present your work, following competition and/or submission instructions.  Be ready for criticism, fair or otherwise.  Always be prepared to take a critical look at your own work after giving it a period of “resting”.  You then re-read your work with a fresh eye and it is easier to spot weaknesses in story structure, plot, and characters and so on then.  Above all, enjoy the whole writing process from thinking of the initial idea to what seems like the umpteenth rewrite.  You need to love it to be able to do it and stick with it – as the actress said to the bishop!

What aspect of writing don’t you like?
I always feel a sense of relief when I get the first draft written as I’ve then got something to work with and knock into shape.  I’m also relieved to finish a piece of work and then get it out there as that’s what I’m meant to be achieving.  I don’t like writing being downgraded or libraries being shut as there will be negative consequences.  I love the feeling when the story, the characters and everything is working together to drive a strong plot.  I hate badly produced books, vanity publishing and those trying to scam authors.  Whilst I’m not totally against Amazon and supermarkets selling books, I don’t want either to destroy bookshops and, ultimately, the publishing industry.  I want proper bookshops to survive (and yes I do buy from proper bookshops and Amazon – the great thing with the former is they do pay their taxes in the UK!).

What is your favourite thing to write?
I love writing dialogue regardless of whether I’m writing a script, novel or short story.  Dialogue is a wonderful way to move the plot along too and to show aspects of a character’s life (how educated they are for a start, do they use proper grammar when speaking?).  I also love reading well-crafted dialogue because it flows, you can hear the character behind it and it brings the story to life.

Do you have a specific writing time?
I tend to write in the evenings and weekends.  On the odd days when I’ve a little more time, I will find a piece of work and get on with that.  I think it helpful to have a specific time to write on the grounds you’re training your brain to get used to being in full writer mode.  It also helps you be more organized and to hopefully help others treat your writing seriously.  In putting time aside for writing, you’re taking your writing seriously.  You can’t expect anyone else to do so if you won’t.

What writing conferences do you go to?
My main one is the Winchester Writers’ Conference, my “local”.  I find the lectures interesting, there’s always some fascinating read to pick up at the Book fair, I meet writers and sometimes when I contribute I get feedback, including some praise, on my work.  That latter feedback and praise goes a long way when most of the time you’re on your own.  I was thrilled to be Commended in their Short Story Competition in 2011.  I hope to repeat the feat!

Do you find how-to-write books helpful?
Yes, though some are more helpful than others.  Stephen King’s On Writing is invaluable.  I also love writing books where published writers are talking about their experiences. I’m currently reading The Writers’ Ideas Book which seems to be full of writing prompts which I hope I will find helpful.  I’m also reading Creative Writing by Graeme Harper, another book of interviews but I do find insights from other writers inspiring.  I love the author interview pages in Writing Magazine too.

Where do you get your ideas?
I’ve read many author interviews where the reply to this one is flippant, which always makes me laugh.  In all seriousness, my novels reflect relationships – mother/daughter – which I have direct experience of so to an extent I am writing from life.  I combine that with my writing from my favourite genre.  It is a case of asking how this relationship would work if one was magical and the other horrified by that.  I do a lot of “what if” planning when working out my stories.  I outline almost all I write now.  I have since found it helpful to stop me going off at a tangent.  (Tangents are all very well if you can use them and they strengthen the story but I was finding this wasn’t the case).

Do you ever experience writer’s block?
No.  I’m not convinced it exists either.  I accept there are days when the words won’t flow so easily but that only proves writers are humans, we’re not machines, and on the plus side you will get days when the work does flow.  I think you need to persist.  I've also found if I'm finding working on a novel difficult, my work on a short story flows.  So I would suggest get in to the habit of writing anything when you feel "stuck".  Brainstorm ideas.  Describe what you see.  What you would like your writing to be.  Writing anything helps fire your brain up ready for work - or so I've found.

Do you work with an outline, or just write?
I always outline now.  I find them helpful for planning my work, being able to work out where to insert new ideas (and to test if they will fit in).  I don’t plan out everything but work out the rough structure of whatever I’m working on.  I will add in phrases, sentences that strike me.  I’ve even once prepared a brief outline for a piece of flash fiction!  That probably makes me a sad muppet.

Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
I love the classic fairy tales, P.G. Wodehouse, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and Terry Pratchett.  I “got” Austen’s wonderful use of irony thanks to a great English teacher (Miss Mackenzie).  Wodehouse’s use of language is sublime, Pratchett is so funny and proves a series can work and Dickens came up with so many great stories.  I also liked Enid Blyton, especially her Famous Five series.  I admire Agatha Christie too.  It’s been said she writes puzzles but there are ethical dilemmas too – Murder on the Orient Express probably being the best example of this.