Born in Bolton and raised in Zimbabwe, I have lived and worked in several countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
A keen animal and nature lover, I almost trained to be a vet but decided instead to stick with words.
I've been scribbling away since childhood – first poetry and short stories, then surreal prose poetry and screenplays, and finally venturing into children’s books in 2015.
One of my most useful writing tools is my dream diary – six volumes of scrawls and doodles, kept since 2002. I try and do most of my writing in the early morning, on first waking, when dreams (my writing coffee) are freshly brewed.
I now live in Kent where I beachcomb for interesting combinations of words and run a sanctuary for naughty mowls. Much of my philosophising, pondering and plottery is done while walking the coastal path that looks out over the English Channel. I have two brilliant stepsons and a much-loved nephew in primary school.
Three interesting facts about me:
I piloted a plane some time before I first got in the driving seat of a car.
My fondest holiday memory is holding hands with a wild green turtle when diving in Oman.
My most-played song is Spanish Flea.
Community
I'm an active member of my local writers' circles and participate in events such as Folkestone Book Festival, Winchester Writers' Festival and London Book Fair as often as I can.