1. Zilla is based on our real dog! Our cheeky Australian Shepherd is called Loki – and yes, he’s just as mischievous in real life.

2. LATIN WORDS
The Defender motto is "Vis Ex Proposito" which is Latin and basically means Strength comes from Purpose, not Power. Because when we have a purpose and care deeply about something we can do incredible things! 

3. Most of the book was written after dark
I write best at night, so a lot of The Lost Defenders came to life after sunset!

4. Mr Madzongwe’s surname 
Mr Madzongwe’s cool name was inspired by someone I once worked with. I’ve always loved how it sounded and it stuck with me.

5. The treehouse is inspired by real life
It’s based on a small hut my friends and I built in the woods when we were kids. I always wished it was in a tree though.