First up, the lost and found has gone missing. It itself, is lost. So please try not to lose anything until we find it.

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

I am of the generation of writers who can get instant feedback from readers within hours of publication. The fan forum is extraordinary - readers from all over the world coming together to discuss, argue and debate scenes and characters from a novel. They add a layer to the story that I cannot write and yes, I will participate in that conversation and answer questions. After all, they are the people I'm writing for and their enthusiasm and questions really pushes me to raise the bar.

Some writing courses will advise you to write what you know. I've always thought this is very odd advice ... because it means, for example, that I should not be writing about Nicholas Flamel, because I didn't live in France in the 15th Century, I was not an alchemyst, am not immortal (despite the rumours) and do not know magic.

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

You don't call retarded people retards. It's bad taste. You call your friends retards when they are acting retarded.

Leader. Ship. The word 'ship' is hidden inside the word 'leadership,' as its... derivation.