Julia Jarman

I love writing stories. Who for - should I say for whom? It depends on the subject matter. I wrote PEACE WEAVERS for teens because it's about teens. Ditto INSIDE and HANGMAN. For teens I write the books I have to: they're in my head and they have to get out. They're serious stuff - should you fight for your country? What's it like INSIDE our prisons? What do you do when you know someone is being bullied?

I most like writing fun stuff for the very young and I didn't start doing this till I was a grandmother. I think there's too much pressure on young children these days and I want to make them laugh. BIG RED BATH started with bath time fun. I got the idea for KISSES ARE YUK from my grandson who forbade me to kiss him when I met him from school. CLASS TWO AT THE ZOO started in a classroom. It's outrageous fun - safe-scary - with a happy ending. I like to empower children in my stories. In life they're being told what to do all day long. They're not free to roam. In story I like them to be in charge.

I love history. Our past made us what we are - all of us. I love to time travel and return to our 21st century, troubled maybe, but with many advantages over the distant past. My TIME TRAVELLING CAT experiences the best and worst of all worlds - Egyptian, Roman, Aztec,Tudor, Viking and Victorian so far. My real-life cat, Perdita, is a comfort and an inspiration.

I love most aspects of writing, except perhaps the loneliness. As an extrovert, unusual in a writer I think, I love being invited to schools, libraries and festivals to talk about my work and read it aloud. I'm a terrible show-off. Maybe that's what I am - a performer! I read Drama at Manchester University and I am a bit of a drama queen. I'm THRILLED that BIG RED BATH is going to be a show in the live theatre, my first love. I wonder if I'll get a part.

That's enough I think. If you want to know more go to my website www.juliajarman.com - or better still read my books!