Q: Hold on, but where are you really from?

A: England. Specifically, The Midlands. After Nottingham, I moved to Coventry in the 80s (the best time and place for music as a teen). BUT, if you’re asking where my parents originated from, they’re Hong Kong Chinese and came over in the 1960s to run a restaurant. I’ve never been to Hong Kong, but I know how to toss a wok. I used to watch Ken Hom on the telly and think, ‘You’re doing it all wrong, mate!’

Q: What was your childhood like?

A: Good times and grim times. If you read my books, Chinglish and Woks & Frocks & Rock & Roll, you’ll get the picture. My parents wanted me to work in the family business after I left school but I was like, ‘No ta!’ I was living for art, books and music. Every week, I’d take myself off to the newsagent’s to collect my NME, Melody Maker, Just Seventeen and any other mag that appealed, as soon as the delivery van dropped off.

Q: How did you become a writer/illustrator?

A: As a kid, I wanted to be Tony Hart and/or write articles for Smash Hits. Then later, I had dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Spending all those hours sketching taffeta ballgowns and spandex jumpsuits paid off in the end because at 17, I won a scholarship to The London College of Fashion through a competition in Mizz magazine. Eventually, I became an advertising art director till in my 30s I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it make more sense if I did what I really wanted?’

Q: What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

A: Pretend you’re the only person in the world. What would you write, and how? I.e. be yourself, don’t try to be anyone else…doesn’t matter if it’s crap to start with. Just graft and keep at it till the words start to flow. That’s the sweet spot. Then, put yourself out there…doesn’t matter if you feel you’re not ready – even pros never think they’re ready. Because people need to know you exist, and that’s also when you get real world feedback and start growing.

Q: What are some things people might not know about you?

A: I’m an Empathy Lab trained author, working with a team of authors and illustrators who encourage kids to build empathy skills through reading. I’m also a volunteer mentor for the homeless, empowering them to find long-term security. I’ve dived with sharks and been crushed by a horse, but as a cat lover, my finest moment has got to be shaking Larry’s paw at 10 Downing Street.

Coming April 2027

The sequel to ‘Chinglish’! More on this soon…