When did you start writing/drawing and why?

I started writing when I was about eight years old. My stories were mostly about the adventures of my teddy bear. I hand wrote them and drew pictures to go with them and bound them like a book, using cereal box carboard.

What is your favourite book that you’ve written or illustrated?

The Accidental Diary of B.U.G. And I’m just finishing up the illustrations for my 6^th book – The Day My Brother Got Famous. It’s got a space theme and it’s been fun drawing lots of inter-galactical pictures!

What were you like as a child?

I was full of energy and played lots of sports. When I wasn’t running around, I would draw and write.

What superpower would you like to have?

The ability to teleport. To be able to get to schools around the country in a second would be amazing!

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

Sadly, my latest pets have all passed away. I’m in a rare part of my life where I have no pets, but my three children keep me busy!

I love dogs and cats. I particularly like whippets.

Where do you write or draw and what do you use?

I write anywhere and any time in little note books. When I’m ready to get a full story down, I use my laptop. I draw using an iPad.

What happens in your virtual author sessions?

My virtual author sessions usual go something like this:

• I introduce myself and my books.
• I do a reading.
• We play a drawing game.
• We have time for questions.

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

I can work wherever I like and get to use my imagination everyday.

What’s your favourite book to read?

At the moment, my favourite book to read is Chirp by Mary Murphy. It has a great message, it makes my little girl smile and giggle, and I love making all the wonderful birdsong sounds.

And finally, what’s your top writing or drawing tip?

• Top tip for writing: get it finished, you can edit it later.
• Top tip for drawing: draw something new every day.

Book a virtual visit with Jen Carney via her website at jen-carney.com