After working several years as an editor in children’s publishing, I became a full-time author when my debut Young Adult novel was published in 2014. TROUBLE received critical acclaim, shortlisting for the YA Book Prize, the Branford Boase Award and longlisting for the Carnegie Medal. It didn’t win anything, but it was still all rather fun.
Since then I’ve written three novels, REMIX, TRUTH OR DARE and EVERY LITTLE PIECE OF MY HEART with Walker Books , two novellas (novellae???) UNBOXED and SECOND BEST FRIEND with Barrington Stoke, who specialise in publishing super-readable YA tailored to suit reluctant and dyslexic readers, or anyone who fancies a shorter read.
I’ve also worked on a collaborative novel called FLOORED (Macmillan Children’s Books) with esteemed writer-types, Eleanor Wood, Lisa Williamson, Melinda Salisbury, Tanya Byrne, Holly Bourne and Sara Barnard, and written a novel based on the amazing characters from John Allison’s comic series, GIANT DAYS.
Together with Robin Stevens – author of the bestselling Murder Most Unladylike series – I also run events to help writers trying to break into children’s publishing. You can find out more about these events here.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION*
FAVOURITE BAND
I love pop punk as much now as I did at the tender age of 14 when I went to my first ever gig to see Green Day at the Manchester Apollo and my writing playlists are guaranteed to feature Andrew McMahon, New Found Glory and Fall Out By.
PET HATE
Heteronormative assumptions and gendered anything. Also the sight of anyone brushing their teeth. And spoons.
FICTIONAL CHARACTER I MOST IDENTIFY WITH
I’m a combination of all the worst bits of Jake Peralta, Amy Santiago and Charles Boyle from Brooklyn Nine Nine.
BEST SNACK
Butterkist Microwave popcorn (salted). Failing that ready salted crisps and salad cream.
THING I MOST WANTED TO BE WHEN I GREW UP
A farmer’s wife. I wanted to live on a farm without having to do any of the work. (Feel free to judge me for the Problematic Assumptions inherent in this life goal.)
Non Pratt 