Sixty seconds interview

Who or what always puts a smile on your face?

My family

Which author do you most admire?

Willy Russell

What’s your earliest memory?

Digging in the garden. My brother, sister and I were tunnelling down to Australia!

How do you spoil yourself?

Curling up with a hot drink and a good book.

What’s your favourite book/word?

Book - Jane Eyre, Word - wobbly

Have you ever had any other jobs apart from writing?

Teaching - now I write full time.

Where do you write?

In my writing room at home.

Where’s your favourite city?

London

Did you enjoy school?

Yes, mostly. Schools are more fun these days.

One wish; what would it be?

I would like a personal flying machine (not an aeroplane or helicopter) to take me wherever I want without having to go near a motorway.

Did you know that...

...Val is frightened of squirrels?

What's your phrase / motto?

‘Aim for the stars!’