Melanie Pearson

I live in a topsy-turvy house in Sheffield with my husband, son and our ancient cat Bob. As a child I loved drawing, writing stories and making little comics; in my spare time these days I make illustrated books and zines, so things haven't changed that much. Having grown up around family illness and worked in social care, it was still a shock to find myself looking after my brother when he became ill with an incurable disease - but also a great privilege. Writing my first book was a way of sharing this experience with love and humour, but also as a way of raising awareness of a little known condition. Since his death I continue to campaign for disability and carers' rights.

I'm proud to live in Sheffield with its radical history, music and cultural life, and love walking in the hills and woodlands here in this greenest of cities, but sometimes hanker after the seaside or a secret hideaway on a remote Greek island.