I am reading a new book by Catherine Jinks at present – a young adult title called Living Hell. I’m enjoying it, though the subject matter makes me squirm a little. The characters (possibly the last surviving humans) are on a spaceship which has just become a living being. They are busily trying to avoid being digested or attacked by anti-bodies.

Jinks is an author whose work I greatly admire. One thing I’m especially amazed about is her versatility. She writes on such diverse subject matter, in diverse genres and for all age groups – and always manages to do it well. Spinning Around (2004) was chick-lit, whilst A Gentleman’s Garden (2002) was literary fiction. The Road (2004) was a gripping thriller. She also writes for children and, of course, as with Living Hell, for young adults.

I’m not sure I want to BE Catherine Jinks – but I would love to have her versatility.