Gothic Session with Sarah Singleton

Sarah and I met at the Birmingham Book Awards and bonded over our love of the Gothic genre. We were asked by North Wilts Young Arts to do a Gothic Workshop at The Cause, a wonderful deconsecrated church that's now a thriving community arts centre. That's the organ behind us! We enjoyed the workshop so much we took it out on the road for a while...

Hosting the Southern Schools Book Awards, 2008

Me when the awards were over, with three of the fabulous Moira House Girls. As you can see from my grin, I had a great time hosting this event. Tim Bowler won with his excellent book, Frozen Fire.

Angus Book Award 2008 for Leaving Poppy ...

I really coveted that Serpent Stone, I was blown away when I won. The Angus Book Award was one of the first where teenagers do the voting. And, on the night, the music, compering, book summaries - everything! It was a brilliant event, I loved it.

... and the Angus Short List

From left, Anthony McGowan, Sherry Ashworth, Graham Marks, me, J. A. Henderson. Angus hospitality is second to none and we all had a great time!

Inspiration for Possessing Rayne ...

Dark, cold, autumn nights. Fire torches marching, a feeling of anarchy, ancient traditions still wholly alive despite their meanings being half-forgotten ...

... Lewes Bonfire Night.

Photos by the unusually gifted Clare Hillage. Thanks, babe!

Waldegrave Visit 2008 ...

I love Waldegrave School, Twickenham. It's great to visit and a couple of years ago the girls helped me with feedback on Leader of the Pack. But is she hugging me or throttling me?

...unofficial launch for Possessing Rayne

The book came to Waldegrave before it hit the shelves. Chris Gray (www.piktureperfect.co.uk) set up a real photoshoot for this visit. We all felt like celebs.

Renfrewshire Teenage Book Award 2008

I was so thrilled to win this award for Leaving Poppy. Again, the books are chosen and championed by the teens themselves. Renfrewshire rocks!

My first ever prize ....Southern Schools Book Award 2007

My first agent told me I'd never win a prize because I wrote too realistically. Maybe the twisted ghoul in Leaving Poppy paid off! I was beyond chuffed to win this award, as you can see from the pic. The teens do the voting, and they make the event seriously special.