Q: What advice would you give to a writer just starting out?

A: I guess that the most important advice I can give is to read, write, watch and play as much as possible. That is, read books and graphic novels, write stories/novels, etc., watch TV and films and play computer games. Each medium can be a powerful tool for entertainment, and as a writer starting out you should sample and learn from them all.

Q: Who is your favourite writer?

A: It's hard for me to choose just one. I like the science fiction of Philip K Dick, the strange fiction of Kurt Vonnegut Jr., and the teen fiction of Robert Cormier and John Marsden. All of those writers have influenced my writing style to some extent.

Q: Which do you prefer to write, horror stories or mystery stories?

A: That's a tough one. All my horror stories have a touch of mystery, and I don't think that horror is suitable for readers of all ages. I don't really have a favourite genre these days - so long as the story works, I'll put time into telling it as well as I can. But horror will always have a special place in my heart, I think.

Q: Do you prefer writing for adults, teens, or younger kids?

A: I began writing for adults, but my first published novel was written for teens. Then later on I started writing a children's book. Basically, it doesn't bother me who's reading my work, so long as they're enjoying it. I like writing for an audience of any age.

Q: Where can I find your books?

A: All my books are currently in print, which means that if they're not stocked in your local bookstore or library, you can simply ask the person behind the desk to order them for you. Just give them the isbn and publisher details, which you will find on the 'current releases' page. If you still have trouble, contact me and I'll follow up with them.

Q: Do you write anything other than fiction?

A: I do. In the past, I've written film reviews. These days, I spend some of my time writing textbook chapters. I've written around 12 of them - for English and History textbooks - over the last few years. It's a very different type of writing from my fiction, but I believe that the best textbooks still tell a story, so I pride myself on being able to bring a storytelling element into writing about World War II or Popular Culture or whatever the topic may be.

Q: A few of years ago, you made a film. Which do you like better, filmmaking or writing?

A: I loved working with people to make a film, particulary my brother Alix. We've since written another film together with the assistance of a good friend of ours named Ian. It's called Verite. Making the movie with those guys was a lot of fun, and it's something I'm really glad I did. But I love writing more than anything. I can write an explosion into a story, and it costs me nothing, but if I want to film an explosion I'll need a huge crew, insurance and a pyrotechnics expert. And what if I don't like how it looks later on?

Q: Is it true you've been on Kids' WB?

A: It is. I have written a book called 'Professor Willoughby's Last Robot', which was illustrated by a terrific painter named Antoine Toniolo. The two of us, as well as the publisher, Ron, were asked to go on Channel 9 chidren's program Kids' WB and participate in a number of segments to promote the book. It was heaps of fun. And I got a picture of myself standing next to Ben 10 as a souvenir.