My writing career began when I was asked to write a story for a preschool magazine. That story was the first of many. I became the writer/editor of several preschool magazines and continued in that role for 15 years. Writing one new story every month, plus rhymes and activities was a tough gig, but very exhilarating.

Time is the big difference between writing for a magazine and writing a book. You see your work on the supermarket shelves within a few weeks of completion. A book takes longer – a lot longer. I have to be patient now – not something I’m good at.

Before becoming a writer, I worked in higher education as International Students Officer. It was a rewarding and interesting job even though I was on call 24/7.

I also trained as a counsellor and volunteered at drop-in centres. I never knew who would arrive for counselling and had to be prepared for anything. This work gave me insight into some of the darker corners of life.

Motor sport was one of my early loves. I had the spine-tingling thrill of taking part in a 24-hour national rally as navigator – those were the days when rallies were held on public roads!

I worked as an au pair in Paris in my teens. Having visited the city on a school trip, I fell in love with it, and always wanted to return.

My first picture book The King Who Didn’t Like Snow will be published in September 2021. Illustrated by Michael S Kane (AKA comic book artist Shaky Kane) and published by Full Media Ltd.