Frances grew up with three younger brothers. She kept them in order by telling them stories and writing plays for them to perform (but they never turned up for rehearsals). Now she has two children of her own to boss around, called Marianne and George. They give her lots of ideas for books. Frances thinks that the best time to mull over ideas is when you are doing something completely different - like sleeping.
She suggests you don't try this at school, though, as your teacher might not agree.
Ali Teo was born in East Malaysia. She grew up in Wainuiomata and attended Wellington Polytechnic where she earned a Bachelor Degree in Design. She works as a freelance illustrator.