Hello

When I was a little girl, I often dreamt of….

running away to join the circus. I never did, but wrote stories about it instead! In reality, I ran away by jumping onto buses. A policeman always brought me back to my parents. Now, as a grown up – and a grandmother – I’ve stopped running away on buses, but still write about joining the circus! The Kingdom of Broken Magic is my first children’s novel.
Once upon a time I was a single mum and journalist, reporting from around the world but writing fiction and poetry whenever I could find the time. My first novel, The Olive Readers, was published after winning the Richard and Judy Novel writing prize. I have held creative writing workshops for children and young adults, community groups and prisoners and for survivors of domestic violence in the UK, Egypt and Morocco. I also taught creative writing at the Arts University, Bournemouth for several years. I write plays, poetry and librettos which have been staged and performed.
I am available to schools, community groups, libraries and bookshops for readings and interactive workshops. I include Key Stage 2/3 fun exercises created by my teacher daughter, Shola, and all linked to The Kingdom of Broken Magic. I always bring my magic wand…