Nixie the Bad, Bad Fairy

About Cas Lester

Cas spent many years having a fabulous time, and a great deal of fun, working in children's television drama with CBBC. She developed and executive produced lots of programmes including Jackanory, Muddle Earth, The Magician of Samarkand,  Big Kids and The Story of Tracy Beaker. Her programmes have been nominated for numerous awards, including BAFTAS, Royal Television Awards and Broadcast Children's Awards. Now she's having a fabulous time, and a great deal of fun, writing books for children, helping out in a primary school library and mucking about with her family. She has four children, three chickens and a daft dog called Bramble. She would absolutely love to go into space. But not on The Toxic Spew.

A Q&A with Cas

What inspires your writing?  Children – they’re the 8th wonder of the world, and the greatest invention both before and since sliced bread.

How did you first become an author?  I gave up making children’s television programmes and desperately needed to make something else up for children.  

What are you reading right now?  Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Sausages by Tom Holt – hilarious and very clever.  

What was your earliest career aspiration?  Watching a BBC adaptation of a children’s book and thinking: That’s what I want to do - I want to make something magical for children.

What advice would you give to budding writers?  Stop mucking about and get on with it!

What was your favourite childhood book?  WINNIE THE POOH.

Where is your favourite place to write?  Next to Bramble, my Springer Spaniel.

How do you read- print, digitally or both?  Both.

Who do you most admire? People who chase their dreams.

Are there any books you wish you had written?  Honestly? The list is endless!