I spend months, sometimes years, doing what I call dreamtime, weaving it together inside my head. But when I actually feel that the egg of my story is ready to hatch, then I can write it in three months. Then I know the landscape and the people well and from the inside, but I don't necessarily know where the story is going to take us.

It's the teacher that makes the difference, not the classroom.

I don't want to be separate from something that's important to me.

It is the child's understanding that teaches the adults the way of the future. They're still doing it today with modern technology.

But just as soon as this war's over and finished with,I'll get back home and marry her.I've grown up with her, Joey, known her all my life. S'pose I know her almost as well as I know myself, and I like her a lot better.

Being his real brother I could feel I live in his shadows, but I never have and I do not now. I live in his glow.

Encouraging young people to believe in themselves and find their own voice whether it's through writing, drama or art is so important in giving young people a sense of self-worth.