Ask the author. Lizzie Chantree.

Ask the author.

Here are the answers to some popular questions Lizzie has been asked.

What made you decide to write a book?

I wrote my first book because our child was unwell and I wanted to find a way to keep myself awake at night. For the first year I tried eating sweets, coffee and watching television and they all worked pretty well. For the second year, I decided I needed a better plan, unless I wanted to be really jumpy and unfit! I started to write in my studio at night and thinking about the plot of my story kept me from falling asleep. Thankfully after two years, our child was much better and we finally all got some sleep, plus I now had a working script for my first novel.

How did you invent the characters?

I was feeling very run down and tired when I wrote Babe Driven, so I wanted to convey as sense of exotic locations and lots of warmth and friendship. The characters are likeable, but not always kind, to themselves and others. I also decided to involve a business as I have run businesess for many years and it is something that i am passionate about.

Do you type or write the stories longhand?

I write a first outline in longhand, then I type the story and fill in the gaps on my computer.

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Who designed the cover?

I trained as a graphic designer when I was a teenager, so I created the cover myself. It was great fun!

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What are you currently working on?

I am currently writing my second book. It is about a group of troubled teenagers and involves genetics and conflict. I have also started my third book and illustrations for some children's picture books about Sydney the little green dragon and his family. He is a very naughty magical dragon who visits a family of children and causes havoc!

LIZZIE CHANTREE