Phil Hickes

I grew up in a cold, dark house in the north of England that overlooked a graveyard. It explains a lot I think. I've always had a fascination for things that go bump in the night and my reading - and later my writing - naturally veered in this direction.

I've so many favourite authors it seems unfair to single any out, but I do love Alan Garner and Susan Cooper. They made me believe that extraordinary things could happen to ordinary children. I was also very aware of landscape and seasons in their writing and this is something I try to emulate.

After stints in the UK, Ireland and New Zealand, I'm currently living in the Pacific Northwest of the US, which is rainy, misty and smells of pine. I like being both outdoors and indoors, depending on mood, activity and weather. Autumn is by far my favourite season

If you've read any books from the Aveline Jones or Shadowhall Academy series, thank you very much, I hope you enjoyed it!

I'm on Twitter @hickesy and Instagram @philhickes