Danny's parents

I'd like to give Danny an unusual background. His parents are both a little nutty – they're artists, I think. His Dad's a sculptor, who creates strange, abstract things in his studio in the garden. His Mum, I think, is a writer, as well as a teacher. She brings in the bacon. His Dad's the more obsessive one.

I've always loved the David Bowie song, Kooks. I imagine his parents like this: "a couple of kooks, hung up on romancing." They adore Danny, but they have their own way of showing it.

They all live in a rambling Victorian house that's always untidy and struggling for order. Danny loves it, loves exploring and making hiding places and creating. Danny may have a sibling, perhaps a sister, who is much more fussy and practical, and living in this madhouse drives her potty. Her room is a model of order and good taste. She's not boring – just different. And exasperated with her entire family.

I think somehow Danny has to save his family. That's the story. But from what?