1) I could fly a plane before I could drive a car. I was fifteen when I took my first flying lesson and had to sit on a cushion to see out. Part of the training was to spin the plane vertically down to the ground from five thousand feet and learn to correct it. (See point 2)
You Belong to Me
2) I'm terrified of flying. Seriously, it takes several G&Ts to get me on a plane these days, which is a bit awkward if it's an early morning flight.
3) I've always wanted to be a writer. When I was seven or eight, I made little books for my friends. My dad bought me a typewriter when I was about twelve, and I've never stopped writing.
4) I can wiggle my ears. A rather useless skill, but I can do it really well.
5) I left school at 16. I didn't do A Levels or go to university. Instead, I ended up doing glamorous jobs such as fruit picker, bar maid, car cleaner, and child minder. I used to really regret this decision, but now I don't. It was all great experience!
6) I have lived in Australia and the USA - Brisbane, Melbourne, and Seattle. But England is my home and where my heart is. I don't think I'll leave again!
7) I was in Harrods when a bomb went off. Twice. I actually got a letter from the police the second time as they'd tracked me through the cash machine nearby.
8) I have written two 'erotic romance' novels under another name. And no, I'm not revealing!
9) I got left behind in an Egyptian desert after jumping off a train. No water forced passengers to abandon the train that had been stuck for twelve hours. Then it suddenly started moving again. Without me! Running after it through the desert with my backpack, I was hauled up into the very last carriage by a group of cheering Egyptian boys. It was terrifying.
10) I used to be a private detective. I followed people, traced them, watched them, and served them with court papers. I saw every side of human emotion, from angry, terrified, sad, to grateful. It was scary work at times, but also exciting.