Justine Larbalestier

My latest book is Magic Lessons. The second book in the Magic or Madness trilogy.

It’s about a girl and her two friends. Also there’s magic, chase scenes, good food, and really foul smells.

The best thing about being a writer is getting to wear my pyjamas to work.

If I wasn’t a writer I’d be miserable.

My first published work was a scholarly tome, The Battle of the Sexes in Science Fiction. Writing novels is way more fun.

Morning person or night-owl? Night-owl. Except when i’m jetlagged and then who knows . . .

My first job was as a shop assistant at Sussan’s. It was not fun. But then the only job I’ve ever enjoyed is being a writer.

On a quiz show, my special subject would be Elvis Aron Presley. (No, I didn’t spell his middle name wrong. He preferred the single ‘a’ spelling.)

My last holiday was to the Blue Mountains. So stunning! Yet they’re so close to Sydney. Why do I always forget they’re there?

My perfect Saturday is staying in bed and reading.

The last CD I bought was many years ago. I buy music online now. My last purchase was Damian Marley’s Welcome to Jamrock.

I’m currently reading my way through Saiyuki, and Jonathan Stroud’s Bartimaeus trilogy as well as Riding Tycho by Jan Mark. All of which I’m loving.

Big Brother or Australian Idol? This is horrible confession, but I’ve never watched either. I travel so much I never get to watch any free-to-air TV. I tend to catch up with everything later on DVD.

Favourite film/tv show is Bring it On and Deadwood

My favourite book is um, er, I don’t know. There are so many that I love! Right now I’m really enjoying Jaclyn Moriarty’s books. She’s funny.

The book character I would most like to meet is Elizabeth Bennett. She makes me giggle.

The book character I would least like to meet is Heathcliff or Ivanhoe. Or pretty much any romantic hero. They all seem so self-obsessed and boring.

The worst thing I’ve ever written has long since been destroyed.

When I was growing up I wanted to be a writer.

My heroes are the Palwankar brothers - who were the first untouchables to play cricket for India. And Enid Blyton cause she got me reading and writing stories from a very early age.