Sue Wallman

I wrote my first novel aged ten. It was ninety-four pages of A4. I’ve always loved writing but there was a moment, in July 2006, age 39, when I decided to do everything I could to be published. It was when my sister was given a devastating diagnosis, and I properly understood how short and precious life is. I didn’t want to faff about any longer. I got my book deal eight years and five books later. (And miraculously my sister’s diagnosis turned out to be misdiagnosis.)

My fourth book failed its second acquisition meeting and I felt physically winded for a long time. Eventually, I picked myself up and began the next book. I wanted publication so badly.

The absolute best part of being published has been hearing from teenagers who’ve read my books. Someone wrote to tell me she didn’t like reading but she couldn’t put Lying About Last Summer down. That made me proud.

Decide how badly you want publication, then buckle up and prepare for the bumpy ride. Do everything you can to improve your writing and search out opportunities. Try your absolute hardest not to compare yourself to other writers.

Currently, not very well! I am working in a secondary school library and there is a lot going on in my life. But I love having another world in my head – one I’m marginally more in control of than my actual one.