When did you start writing/drawing and why?

I loved drawing pictures and I used to get my mum to write the words to describe them. As soon as I could write I took over and that was it – I was addicted to story making!

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

I’m very fond of Letter to Pluto. It was the first book I both wrote and illustrated and the only one that has two sequels! It was also very exciting to finally see it published as I’d tried for so many years. I actually cried when I found out!

What were you like as a child?

I was quite quiet and happy in my own company, making up worlds with my Playmobil (Playpeople as they were back then) and dollshouse. I also ran an imaginary drama school where I was the teacher and all the pupils so I had to do everyone’s homework and mark it and put on shows! I still have the registers, the homework and the show posters.

What superpower would you like to have?

I would like to fly because I fly in my dreams and it’s amazing. I have flown to the moon and sat on it but in my dream it was about the size of a beanbag!

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

I have had dogs, cats and a rabbit but at the moment I have two rescue cats called Maple and Bluebell. They are my writing assistants, keeping my lap warm and polishing my laptop screen with their cheeks.

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

I have a desk in the spare room at home but I tend to move about from room to room to stop my back hurting. But I always have a notebook with me so I can write on the move or scribble down ideas.

What happens in your virtual author sessions?

I usually read from one of my books, and if it’s a picture book I will have props or a puppet to help. If there’s time it’s fun to take questions or the children can tell me about their own writing. Or I can set an activity and check back in later to see the results.

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

The best thing is seeing your book in the shops or in somebody’s hands. I also love the moment of sitting down to start a new idea. Anything could happen!

What’s your favourite book to read?

I love the science fiction novels of Iain M Banks and reread them every couple of years.

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

Write what makes you happy. And if it gets boring, make something exciting happen! It’s your world and you get to choose.

Book a virtual visit with Louise via her website.