It is a dream come true to have my words published.

After studying English Literature and then Art and Design at university, I discovered a love of teaching. Over the last twenty-five years I have taught and examined in England, Japan, Italy, Spain and Lithuania, and have also worked as a school librarian. I currently teach English at The University of Bristol.

I have tried writing for adults and have had a go at making a couple of picture books, but it wasn’t until my elder son joined the Carnegie Reading Group at his secondary school and I started reading all the wonderful new books shortlisted by librarians that I knew I definitely wanted to write for young people. I then enrolled for a Master’s Degree in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University and spent an exciting two years learning from some of the very best children’s writers. My debut novel, Digging for Victory, was written during the second year of the course. I can't say how much it means to have had it longlisted for the Yoto Carnegie Medal, the Branford Boase Award and the UKLA Book Awards.