“I was born in Manchester but grew up in Worcester. Since heading off to uni when I was 18, I have lived in a variety of places around the UK and also spent over three years abroad, in France, China and Spain. After completing an HND and a science degree, I worked for several years haggling with solicitors over motor insurance claims. I then got out of the rut I was in, did a TEFL course in Brighton, and spent several years abroad teaching English as a foreign language – a fantastic experience! I returned to the UK in 2007, decided to move to Leeds for no particular reason, loved it, and have been working for a mobile phone company here ever since. I have always loved writing but after leaving sixth form, I mostly only wrote poems for friends and family…although I have always jotted down ideas for stories. I joined the writing group which has now become the Leeds Savage Club six months ago, mainly to get motivated to write. Since then I have been inspired by the other members and have finally started putting pen to paper and fingers to keyboard. I have written a mix of poetry and prose and try to do the fortnightly tasks set for the group as it is a good chance to try different styles. I am currently trying my hand at writing children’s fiction.”