I had an imaginary friend in primary school. His name was Richard and he was awesome. Mum shut his imaginary head in a door once. I was inconsolable. So was Richard. We still are.
2. What is your nickname?
I'm sure people call me lots of things! I was known as Haggis in my childhood… don't ask why. Most people call me Mags.
3. What is your greatest fear?
That my kids are hurt in any way shape or form. And snakes. And falling off things because I have osteoporosis.
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Lyrical prose with sparkles and a dash of rainbow poo.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Impulsive, humorous, passionate, creative, thoughtful.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
Christopher Robin. Oh to live in the Hundred Acre Wood with Pooh! And I'm a counsellor so I'd do therapy with Eeyore in his dark and gloomy place.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
1800, just to hang out with Jane Austen.
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
Stick with horses. Boys will break your heart.
9. Who is your greatest influence?
The deeply philosophical musings of my grandchildren
10. What/who made you start writing?
A deep fascination with the human condition. All that beauty inside us.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Bliss. No other word comes close to summing up moments of… bliss.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The fullest version of The Oxford English Dictionary. Every book in one book.
Maggie Hutchings is a counsellor, family-dispute mediator, writer and artist who spends her weekends covered in paint and scribbling lists that are never completed. She is a famously mad aunt, nanna and mother. Maggie writes stories with heart and soul for children and adults that encourage kindness, hope and resilience.
