About Me

My Story

I can’t remember when I began to put words on paper myself, but I remember being seven, reading Little Women and recognizing pieces of myself in the character of Jo. By then I was already writing first chapters, and I wrote continually through my teenage years. After studying politics and international development at university, I sidestepped into museum work and at the age of twenty-two became a curator.

In that same year, my sister dared me to stop writing first chapters and produce a book. I’d never been able to resist a dare! By the end of that summer I’d finished my first novel, and I was hooked. My ‘hobby’ had become a vocation.

I left the museum to waitress and write. Working mostly late at night, I wrote my second novel, Mariana, and submitted it to Transworld Publishers’ Catherine Cookson Fiction Prize competition.

Four days before Christmas, I learned that I’d won. The very best of Christmas presents, and one that truly changed my life – not only the £10,000 prize, but major international publication of a book that continues to find its own life.

More than a quarter of a century later, I’m still feeling fortunate, doing the thing I love best…telling stories.