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BOOKTHINK: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

TAYLOR: Charles Dickens, as he has such a great use of description in his books. I have been called the new C.S. Lewis, but I would say Dickens has had more effect on my writing than anything.

BOOKTHINK: What book are you reading now?

TAYLOR: Dirty Angels by Andrew Clover. It's a new book from a new writer, and it is really good. I am also reading a book called The Book of Ugly, which is far better than any Lemony Snicket I have ever read.

BOOKTHINK: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

TAYLOR: Emmaline Austere, who wrote The Book of Ugly - she is really weird. I love her style. She thinks she is a Victorian and always wears Victorian clothes.

BOOKTHINK: What are your current projects?

TAYLOR: I am trying to keep going with Mariah, as I have a few more books to write in the series, and then I have to start a special series called Erik and the Tizzle Twins - a manga novel with lots of illustrations published by Tyndale Press.

BOOKTHINK: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

TAYLOR: By watching Nottinghill and wanting to do something with my life.

BOOKTHINK: What do you see as the influences on your writing?

TAYLOR: It has to be movies - that and the moon - we have some fantastic moons here, and when I look at them, my thoughts go crazy.

BOOKTHINK: Do you have to travel much concerning your books?

TAYLOR: I visit about 250 schools each year and travel all over. I can't go back to the USA, as I have a death threat.

BOOKTHINK: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

TAYLOR: The ending - I never want them to end.

BOOKTHINK: Do you have any advice for other writers?

TAYLOR: Watch movies, and go for long walks in the dark.

BOOKTHINK: That's a good idea I might try that - it would give me a great excuse to eat loads of chocolate. Thanks so much for the interview.

As I prepare to leave, I notice the photo on the wall looks distinctively like a Krakon. The house suddenly shakes a little as if its foundations are being disturbed. It's time to go!

A few days later, a postman rings my doorbell and passes me a parcel with a smile on his face. Inside the parcel is a Mars bar with a note saying "a Mars a day helps you work, rest and get fat." I look at the Mars bar and think for a second, "Maybe this is the beginning of the end of my passion for chocolate." Then I glance down and see an empty wrapper - maybe not!