Where does the name Titch come from?
Originally people were nicknamed Tichborne if they were fat because of a phoney Lord Tichborne, who grew fatter and fatter while trying to prove his right to the name in court.
A famous music hall comedian was both fat and little as a child,so he was nicknamed Little Tichborne. He got thinner and thinner, but didn't grow at all, and after that all small people were called Tich or Titch.
 Chris Tichborne, whose ancestor Lord Tichborne went missing in Australia resulting in the second longest court case in history. |  |  Little Tich, who was tiny and famous, caused small people to be called Titchy or Titch. |
Where do you get your ideas from?
My sons, their friends, and even my husband's behaviour sometimes (Rats is an almost true story). "Shrinking Mouse" was inspired by a bag! Titch is based on both my sons.
How old are your sons?
39 & 35 now, but they were very little when I wrote the first Titch books. Now I have three little ones to write about, their sons Stanley, Harry, and new one Ben.
What are your son's names?
Morgan and Sam.
How many books have you written?
39 and there are 12 Titch TV books.
What are they called?
Click here to get a full list of all my books.
Have you written an autobiography?
Not really, but "Something About The Author" contains a lot of notes about me. It's published by:
Gale Research
27500 Drake Road
Farmington Hills
Michigan
48331-3535
USA
Tel: 248 699 GALE
You can call free in the USA on 1 800 347 GALE
Or fax 248 688 8085
Where do you live?
We live in Hampstead, a part of London, England. It's very pretty and a lot of writers and artists like living there, famous ones like Keats and Constable lived there.
What paints and paper do you use?
It depends on the book. I use watercolours, coloured inks, and even felt tip pens.
How long does it take you to do a book?
Usually about six months. If I make mistakes it can take longer!
How long does it take to make one of Titch's films?
Each ten minute film takes three weeks to film and three weeks to edit before it is completely finished. So a series takes nearly a year to make.
What other children's authors do you like?
I like lots of authors, but Arnold Lobel is my favourite.
How did you get your first book published?
I took my drawings to a publisher, and she asked me to write my own story.
Do you have to be able to spell to write books?
If you're not very good at spelling, your editor will correct your spelling for you.
What is your favourite colour?
Being an illustrator, I love lots of colours, but I think I like yellow best.
What is your favourite food?
Fish and broad beans.
If you weren't an author, what would you like to be?
A singer, but I can't sing - just ask my family!
What are your hobbies?
I like gardening, reading and music.
Do you have any brothers and sisters?
I was brought up with four brothers and a sister. We had lots of animals and we rescued birds, my favourite was Sooty the Crow.
Do you use real people in your stories?
Yes. "Happy Birthday Sam" is about my son Sam, and all my longer books are about family and friends.
Who is your favourite character from your books?
Titch, because he's based on my own sons.
Do you visit children in different countries?
Yes, I've visited children in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, America, Canada, Germany, South Africa and Indonesia.
Did you like writing when you were a child?
I loved writing, although my spelling wasn't very good!
