A bona fide although not stereotypical “Essex Boy” I was born and grew up in the oft-maligned English county, where I now live and work. In fact, I have spent most of my life in Essex except for when I drove north to study at the University of Leeds and then flew east to teach English in Kashima, Japan; an experience which had a significant and long-lasting influence on my life.

I discovered the joys of writing later in life than many and in 2015 completed my first book Washing Over Me a novel inspired by and dedicated to the people who died in the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011. I continue to write in my spare time to keep my sanity and nourish my soul.

When not writing, I enjoy spending time with my wife, three boys and dog. I always manage to arrange my diary around when Liverpool Football Club are playing.