Bio

I was born in Derbyshire, England and grew up near the Peak District National Park and the town of Chesterfield, famous for its medieval church with the crooked spire. I have a degree in history and have lived in Canada since 1990. I’m also a graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature and have been a writer of children’s fiction for many years.

My first novel for middle grade readers, The Alchemist’s Portrait, was published in 2003, followed by The Sorcerer’s Letterbox, The Clone Conspiracy, The Emerald Curse, The Heretic’s Tomb, The Doomsday Mask and The Time Camera. I’m also a contributing author to The Complete Guide to Writing Science Fiction Volume One, have written many non-fiction books for younger readers with Weigl Educational Publishers, and work as a writer for Dark Roasted Blend online magazine.

I offer a variety of presentations, workshops and author in residence programs for schools, virtual author visits by video using Skype, work as an instructor for adults with the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University, and offer a variety of online workshops for both children and adults.

I’m a regular presenter at conferences and festivals, and have served as a juror for many book awards in Canada. I’m the founder of Children’s Authors and Illustrators on Facebook and served as the Assistant Regional Advisor for SCBWI Western Canada.

For writers, I offer manuscript evaluation, editing, writing workshops and coaching, plus copywriting services for the business community. You can also visit my blog, my channel on YouTube, follow me on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

An avid fan of soccer, I have been a lifelong follower of Manchester United. Soccernet has all the soccer news from England, Europe and around the world.

Books are usually available in your local bookstore, at online locations and you can always purchase personally inscribed and autographed copies in my online bookstore.