James Hill

Author James Hill's interest in early Man led him to study anthropology and human evolution. Among many other things, he was particularly fascinated to see images of three and a half million year old footprints preserved in volcanic ash. These showed the position of the big toe - in relation to the others - somewhere between that of Man (the upright walker) and Ape (the tree climber). But how much more thrilling would it be, he thought, to put warm, rippling flesh on stone-cold fossil bones and imagine you are actually there, living the life - and putting yourself into the mind of Man - when he was but one animal among many. And the world was unknown.

That is why he wrote The Uprights.

Now he has changed genres and is writing stories for children and ZIGGY -

CHEEKY DOGGY TALES is the result. Being both entertaining and educational, Ziggy describes the antics of a very naughty puppy dog and in particular, the canines's fights with Ginger, a big ginger tomcat. But at heart, Ziggy is a very kind and friendly dog that endears him to his young readers. The educational part? At the end of each story (there are 10 in the book) is a word puzzle and together they make up a secret message left by Ziggy for those children who can work it out. It's not easy to do - but not too difficult either - just right for children who have started reading. And the best bit? The book is written by Ziggy - so it reveals a dog-eyed view of the world (what's imagination for?)

Another change of tack - just published is THE PHOTOGRAPH and OTHER 500 WORD STORIES, covering topics as different as "sex in high places", "spooky supernatural" and "wartime skulduggery."