When did you start writing and why?

I was an avid reader and wrote stories from about the age of 8. I wrote my stories while hiding under the kitchen table, as I didn’t want to share my writing with anyone else. This is not the ideal route to becoming a published author. 

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

I’m very proud of my children’s novels and it’s almost impossible to choose. My latest book, Linnet and the Periwinkle Flyer, is my current favourite, because it’s so new and shiny.

The Titanic Detective Agency was particularly tricky to write because all the characters were real-life passengers or crew on the doomed ship. The book needed a huge amount of research and needed so much work to get right. I loved every second and am now a complete Titanic geek.

What were you like as a child?

I lived very much in my imagination and always had my nose in a book. Not unlike present me, really.

What superpower would you like to have?

Flight would be handy to avoid passport and security queues at airports. Invisibility would be useful on a daily basis. Please may I have both?

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

I have a deaf cat called Roo. She is fluffy and snowy-white but not in the least adorable. The vet calls her a ‘devil cat’, which is unkind but accurate. I love her anyway.

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

I write on my laptop in my writing room. My writing room has a vintage desk and chair and shelves full of treasures, including a Titanic model and a papier-mâché unicorn. I’ve put up a bird feeder on the window, for procrastination purposes.

What happens in your virtual author sessions?

I do a talk about one of my novels (with a Powerpoint so it’s not just my face on the screen) and then hold a Q and A with the pupils. I love tricky questions, particularly Titanic-based ones, like what was the name of the fifth officer or how many of the funnels were functional?

What’s the best thing about being an author?

Meeting young readers who have enjoyed my books. Hearing I have inspired a child to become a reader. Getting to the end of the first draft of a new novel. So many great things!

What’s your favourite book to read?

My favourite books I’ve read are Watership Down by Richard Adams and Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C O’Brien. I clearly enjoy books with animal protagonists!

And finally, what’s your top writing tip?

My top writing tip is to go looking for story inspiration in art galleries and museums. These are places with thousands of stories just waiting to be told.

Book a virtual visit with Lindsay via her website at lindsaylittleson.co.uk/author-visits/