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.

I wanted to be a librarian from a very young age. Some of my earliest memories are being taken to the local library. I ended up working as a bookseller. Becoming a writer was the logical offshoot of being a reader.

I'm always writing - its what I like to do. But when I'm not writing, I'm reading.

Her hands flew to her mouth. 'Are we even twins?' Josh rested his hand on her shoulder and brought his forehead to rest against hers, strands of their blond hair mingling. 'I will always be your brother, Sophie. I will always look after you.

I never base characters on real people - you can get into so much trouble that way!

I am thrilled when I read about fans using my stories as springboards to read about either the historical characters or the myths and legends in the books.

A warrior with a cause is the most dangerous soldier of all