It should’ve been published a few months back but the problem with telling a story in a diary format is that every time you make some little adjustment there’s a real risk that things start to slip out of order, and an awful lot can go wrong. And that’s just what happened! The amazing Miranda Davies, editor of Losing Control, stayed very calm when she found that Henrietta even had some of the dates in the novel going backwards. (Not to mention that poor Lucy had her birthday in the wrong month). It meant long hours reading and re-reading for everyone concerned – and quite a bit of re-writing by Henrietta, to make sure that everything flowed smoothly. So hopefully it’s all absolutely fine now. But if you do spot something we’ve missed, then let us know – and we’ll send you a free copy of Control Freak or Losing Control.

Wondered what happened to Holly when she got to art college? And what became of her relationship with former boyfriend Sean? And how does Ryan cope in his new foster family.

I was very lucky to be invited to the excellent 2nd Annual Leaving Care Conference on 28th October. Among many other highlights was the opportunity to put a copy of Control Freak into the hands of children's minister, Tim Loughton – and ask him to read it.

We don't yet know how much the recent financial cuts will affect young people in care or the adults who support them, But I don't think it's going to be a very pretty picture. I've just read about a foster carer saying he's feeding his foster children from the 'used by date' shelves in the supermarkets – and sadly, that doesn't surprise me.

Control Freak is officially published in the UK on Monday 25 October. It's also available in other countries ..