BBC7

Melvyn Burgess became interested in writing at School after getting an 'A' for a story he'd written. He says "it was about the first time I'd done anything that got an A. I was so pleased I never stopped". Before he was a writer he was a bricklayer and a silk dyer.

He is known for writing books that deal with 'difficult' subjects. His most famous book is Junk, a book for teenagers about homelessness and drug addiction.

Melvin's favourite books include The Wind in the Willows and The Hobbit.

Apart from Junk, he has written:

• The Earth Giant
• The Cry of the Wolf
• Burning Issy
• Tiger Tiger
• Kite
• Bloodtide
• The Cry of The Wolf

Melvin is also responsible for writing Billy Elliot - after it was filmed! He turned the film into a novel and says it was great because all the hard work had been done for him!