PEOPLE I IDOLISE

You never ask.. Well I have two:

Sue Townsend.

She created Adrian Mole; my hands down favourite character ever. I've read nearly everything shes ever published. To me, she's an inspiration. I remember the week she died, because Peaches Geldof also died, which took up all the big headlines. I think I actually cried, because I was devastated I'd never read anything new by her. I said I'd read nearly everything... because I want to save something. Sad right?

Paul Birtill.

Assumed to be still alive, but very good at being a recluse. Trust me, I've tried to find him. A few years ago, some guy leant me his poetry book, and I'd promised to give it back. I never did, and that might be the best/worst thing I ever did. Because this book helped me so much, more than I can say. I'm no poet, but PB definitely influenced my writing style. I'm still not a massive poetry fan, but this book is like a Bible to me. And it's fucking signed.

Tell me about your heroes, please?