I published my first book in 1982 - a collection of Irish folklore called Irish Folk & Fairy Tales. It is still in print today. My first young adult book was published a couple of years later, and I've been writing in both genres ever since.

Adults, Sophie has decided a long time before, were really bad at making up good excuses.

The research. It is always the best part of writing. And, of course, it is the great excuse to travel.

You need to play to win. But you also need to win ... to play.

I am a great believer that all the primary research has to be done before principle writing begins. I'm a huge advocate of plotting.

I love inside jokes. I hope to be a part of one some day.

I'm probably better known in the US as a YA writer, I have a huge body of adult horror and fantasy behind me.