Matt Dix

I have been writing stories for children for as long as I can remember. Inspired by enthusiastic English teachers I entered a national thriller-writing competition and - together with 9 others - won a runner-up prize of a £5 book token.

I then met Diana Wynne-Jones, who was kind enough to read a couple of my short stories and pass on some useful titbits of practical advice. This really encouraged me to keep going at a time when I was wondering whether I had "grown out of" writing for children. I was 14.

I have recently completed an MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University and have also written my first novel, Playing it Cool. I'm happy to say that, after all, I haven't grown out of anything very much.