When did you start writing and why?

When I was six years old, 1965 (‘Roman times’, as I tell the children during my school visits). I already had a thirst for poetry as I loved Dr Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat, so wanted to give it a go myself. My first poem was a limerick (all my own work):

There was an old lady from Hull
And she bumped into a bull
The bull said “Ow!”
Crashed into a cow
Then the cow smashed into the wall

What is your favourite book that you’ve written?

My latest The Shape of Rainbows (at the moment!) as it’s my fastest selling, biggest selling and best reviewed – and I guess that’s evidence that it’s my best writing to date.

What were you like as a child?

I was the class clown who always loved to make people laugh, and I enjoyed the attention. But I could multi-task – though I messed around in lessons I worked hard too. 

What superpower would you like to have?

I already have one, and so do you. See this poem from my book Here Come the Superheroes – Raps & Rhymes to Save the Galaxy: https://www.cccpworkshops.co.uk/poems/233-my-superpower

Do you have any pets or what imaginary pet would you have?

I don’t need any ‘real’ pets as my wife and daughter run a dog-sitting and dog-walking business, so I am surrounded man’s/woman’s best friends most days. My imaginary pet though would definitely be a cuddly weird funny purple alien.

Where do you write and what do you use? 

A pen and notebook for roughs, my Mac for editing and finished poems.

What happens in your virtual author sessions?

Interactive poetry performance, Q&A, simple fun writing workshop/exercise.

What’s the best thing about being an author or illustrator?

Sharing my work with children, teens and adults and seeing them enjoying it and interacting with me.

What’s your favourite book to read?

My favourite children’s book is still ‘The Cat in the Hat’.  See https://www.cccpworkshops.co.uk/blog/what-was-the-book-of-your-childhood-1

And finally, what’s your top writing tip?

Read, read, read, write, write, write – and remember, editing is the toughest part of writing but 80% of any author’s work.

You can book a virtual visit with Neal through his website here.