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 and non-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, The Time Camera, The Sphere of Septimus, Flashback, Future Imperfect, Twisted Fate, the Shadowzone series, the Stone of the Seer series, and An Untimely Death. I’m also the author of The Children’s Writer’s Guide, a contributing author to The Complete Guide to Writing Science Fiction Volume One, have written many non-fiction books for younger readers.

I offer a variety of presentations, workshops and author in residence programs for schools, virtual author visits online, currently work as an instructor for adults with the University of Calgary, and previously with Mount Royal University, and Chinook Learning Services, and offer online courses for adults and online workshops for both children and young adults.

I’m a regular presenter at conferences and festivals, and have served as a juror for many book awards in Canada. I served as the Assistant Regional Advisor for SCBWI Western Canada, and as the Writer-in-Residence with the Canadian Authors Association,

For writers, I offer editing, writing workshops and coaching, plus copywriting services for the business community. You can also visit my blog, my boards on Pinterest, and follow me on Amazon, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

An avid fan of soccer, I’ve been a lifelong follower of Manchester United and follow 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 directly from the author.