I've know Sue Shippam for several years now. I first met her when she attended one of my writing workshops. Since then she joined my monthly writing group, and I have provided manuscript critiquing and mentoring on various project. Sue is incredibly disciplined - finishing more projects than most people I know. She is a passionate writer, and is clearly driven to write every day, regardless of what is going on in her life.

For this post I interviewed Sue, who decided to self-publish an e-book version of her novel, Spaced Out. This is the first in a series, and I can highly recommend it for middle graders. She writes fluently and creates fun characters, creating an action-packed space-themed thriller. You can buy the book on Amazon here.

What made you want to write children's books in the first place?

I don’t think I ever grew up. I love reading about animals that can talk and children having scary adventures even now. It’s a great away of escaping the stresses and strains of my adult life. I still get a thrill out of the little things in life like ladybirds and baby bunnies (see my website www.minilops.co.uk) and am renowned for putting my hand up when a zoo keeper wants an assistant - much to the embarrassment of my children.

Can you tell me about what inspired you to write this book, and the series?

I was driving with my husband through the countryside in the early evening and the light was casting strange shadows in the woods. It was then I heard a boy’s voice in my head (Yes, I am bonkers!) and saw the beam drop down from the UFO. Nathan was born and we flew off from there. Once I was on the band wagon the ideas kept coming and as I’ve always fascinated by the paranormal, the world was my oyster. My second book Spooked Out! and third book Driven Out! followed quickly after that.

How do you get in the mind of a 10-year-old boy?

Once I hear the character’s voice in my head I’m away. It’s as though I am inside of his/her head and looking out through their eyes. In many ways it’s like being possessed. I think about the characters all the time wherever I am and whatever I’m doing. Often it takes months or years before I know the characters well enough to put pen to paper. My first book is a case in point; Billy lived with me for over three years before I started to write his story. I understood him intimately and was so wrapped up in him that I was lost when I finished his sto