ABOUT

I write books for young people.  That can mean teens and YA, but I have plenty of younger readers, and older ones too.

I write about the sea, danger,  magic, conservation, activism and the power of stories.

I have a a few books out,  and I'm lucky because they have been published in a few countries and nominated or shortlisted for various  prizes, including Branford Boase, Andersen Award in Italy and more. Girl.Boys.Sea was shortlisted for the Carnegie medal.

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 My most recent book, The Last Whale, is about conservation and activism.

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As well as writing I do copywriting (web mostly), manuscript editing, author visits, festivals and workshops with writers at all stages of development. I’ve presented at Hay, Penzance, Rimini (Italy), Bath Children's Lit Fest, NAWE and more.

Phew! It’s a mixed bag, but all centred around writing and stories; working out what they are and how to tell them.

I have an MA in Writing for Young People from Bath Spa Uni (distinction). It’s a cliché to say it changed my life, but it honestly did. People say writing can’t be taught.  Sure, you need a cracking story and you need to have a basic drive and set of skills, but good writer/tutors will really help you find your voice and your story, and will help you bring it from the dark of your imagination and into the light of day.  I was fortunate enough to work with writers as wonderful as Julia Green, Steve Voake, David Almond and Lucy Christopher.

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 Before becoming a writer I worked full time for Whale and Dolphin Conservation (www.whales.org) (I still work for them part time).   We’re just beginning to understand these incredible animals, right at the time as the destruction of their home – the ocean – is accelerating.  It’s something that drives me.  I’m lucky to work with an inspirational bunch of people and to have seen whales and dolphins in the wild.

As a conservationist and writer, I am proud to be part of the amazing Authors4oceans initiative.

https://www.authors4oceans.org/

I live near Bath with my family. We get to the sea whenever we can.

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