TALK: Kate Maryon

Kate Maryon writes books for children, and is the author of Shine, Glitter, A Million Angels, A Sea of Stars, and her latest, Invisible Girl. She spoke to StoryWorld about writers, writing, and inspiration.

Tell me about Invisible Girl!

Invisible Girl is about 12 year-old Gabriella Midwinter who finds herself abandoned and living on the streets in Manchester. It's been endorsed by The Big Issue Foundation and the Railway Children charity and we're working together to raise awareness of the realities faced by child who runs away (one child every five minutes runs, which equals 100,000 children a year). Mumsnet recommend it as a book to use as a resource for parents to use to open up the runaway conversation with their kids.

Which writer were you most inspired by?

Mmmm, as a child I loved books and read thousands of them - I'm not so sure for me at that age that I was concerned with the author - I more related to the story. Now I am inspired by David Almond and Meg Rosoff but I've been likened to Jacqueline Wilson so I guess she's in the inspiration pot too!

Do you plan your work, or do you just start writing?

I just start writing - I get very close to the character and let them tell me their story. Any planning comes retrospectively. 

Are you working on anything at the moment?

I've been concentrating on picture book text for the past few months and have some coming out next year. I've played around with a few ideas for novels but they've not caught my attention enough to continue, until this week, that is, and I've discovered a lovely character - I'm about to begin writing her this afternoon!

What is the best piece of writing advice you’ve been given?

Write what you know, write what you love, write, write write.

Thanks Kate! You can find out more about Kate at her website. Invisible Girl is available online and from all good bookshops.