From childhood adventures to captivating stories

Every book begins with an idea, but often the best stories are inspired by the people, places and memories that stay with us throughout our lives. My writing draws on those experiences, from treasured childhood adventures to imagined characters who have taken on a life of their own.

My novel introduces readers to Clara Fortesque, a well-to-do widow living alone in a grand Victorian house in Blackheath, London. Once happily married to her beloved husband, David, Clara now reflects on a life filled with love, family and memories. Their four children have grown up and moved away, with two now living in America, leaving Clara to embrace a new chapter of life while surrounded by reminders of the past.

Alongside my novel, I have also written a children's book inspired by the joy of friendship. It follows four children, two brothers and two sisters from different backgrounds whose adventures show that kindness, imagination and companionship can bring people together, regardless of their differences.

Much of my writing is influenced by my own childhood during the 1950s and 1960s. Growing up in an old, rented house with towering trees, a cellar and an attic, there was no shortage of places to explore. We spent hours outdoors climbing trees, cycling, and inventing adventures.

Life was very different then. There were no mobile phones or computers, just handwritten letters, family telephone calls and endless opportunities to create our own entertainment. I had separate friends from my sisters. I had my own friends to pretend we were The Secret Seven, the age gap was four years with one sister, and seven with another sister, so my friends were the same age as me, we all went to different schools, so our friends were not from the same school. My sisters were into boyfriends at this time, and I was the tomboy climbing trees, Cowboys and Indians, etc with my two cousins who had smaller gardens and they came into my garden as it was larger, with trees and good hiding places.

My father worked tirelessly to provide for our family. As his own boss, he found many creative ways to earn a living, from renting a space on Paignton Pier to selling handmade items such as bran tubs and wishing wells. He was an honest, hardworking man and a devoted father. My mother ensured we were always well cared for, with hearty home-cooked meals and a loving home.

Like many children, I had my own opinions about dinner! My father enjoyed traditional dishes such as tripe and kidney, although they were never favourites of mine.

School life was equally memorable. We walked to school each day, regardless of the weather, and learned as much outside as we did in the classroom. Our headmistress encouraged a love of nature through gardening, and even snow or rain rarely kept us indoors.

We wore navy-blue straw hats as part of our uniform, much to the amusement of the boys, who often found creative ways to turn them into frisbees. School dinners had to be finished before anyone could leave the table, and after primary school I faced a much longer walk to my secondary school when I turned eleven.

Whether writing for adults or children, my aim is to tell stories that celebrate family, friendship, resilience and the simple pleasures of everyday life. By weaving together imagination with memories of a bygone era, I hope readers of all ages will find characters they can relate to and stories that stay with them long after the final page.