Like most writers I’m a people watcher. Not in a creepy way… well, I don’t think so! But in that way of, “hmm, they could make a wonderful character!” and, “I wonder why they did that? Said that? What’s going on?” kind of way. People are fascinating. As human beings we do and say the most extraordinary things – however mundane we think we are, however boring we believe our lives to be. But it’s the layers of the experiences we’ve all built up from childhood to adulthood that makes each of us interesting. And the way we react to others is fascinating. Not least in the relationships within families. Because where else, in what circumstances, is there such a capacity for secrecy, for deception, for lies, for love, for empathy, for forgiveness? For misunderstandings and misreading of siblings, of parents. It’s intriguing. And no two families are alike – so the scope for creativity is endless. And I love exploring all these aspects.

In the past, I’ve shared news and views of other writers, of authors’ news and promotions, and I’ll carry on doing that. But I have realised I often forgot to let my readers know what I was doing: whether it’s struggling with a story I really want to write but which won’t come together, a new book on the horizon, one that’s just hit the shelves, or just generally about a particular aspect of creative writing; something that has come to light within one of my workshops.

So, I intend to focus on whatever I think people who like family stories will enjoy. Snippets about writing these stories, things that have happened along the way of putting words on paper – or screen. Or, to wrap it all in one phrase … life.

The Heart Stone, set during World War I and the following decade, is another historical family drama.

DOMESTIC NOIR

THE MEMORY, published by Honno 2020; a more contemporary drama. A family tormented by the mystery of an unexplained death. “Mother and daughter tied together by shame and secrecy, love and hate.“

SISTERS, published by Honno 2023. A tragedy tears a family apart. Two sisters are divided, but when one falls victim to an abusive criminal, will the rift heal?

I have an MA in Creative Writing, B.A. (Hons.) in Literature, and a Diploma in Drama and Script Writing. I am also a Creative Writing tutor for Pembrokeshire County Council’s Lifelong Learning Programme and give talks and run workshops on all genres.

When I’m not writing or teaching, I’m doing research for my writing, walking the Pembrokeshire coastline or reading and reviewing books.