For years my imagination was stifled by producing legal documents or teaching materials reduced to the most simplistic or repetitive of expressions. I never believed myself capable of constructing a story, or crafting a character with both human flaws and redeeming qualities. Therefore it was some time before I took pen to paper, or rather Qwerty keyboard to screen, and found the fiction beginning to flow.
I used my love of crime and history to write my first two novels, sequels, and a third in the trilogy is on its way. These were self-published by a company which I established called Godsend Books. They are thrillers set in the first century. My third manuscript (which I am submitting) is set both in 1979 and the tenth century. I have also contributed to a book of short stories and a memoir (an attempt at comedy) in between.
History novels require copious research – sometimes several hours can produce a mere sentence, and there is always someone (out there) who knows better and can find fault. But I have always been a study addict with a degree in Social Science from a Canadian University, qualifying as a solicitor and gaining an MA in writing from a Sheffield University, with sundry other certificates relating to work. However, none of these are as important as my experiences of life, people and places around the world – which have been many and varied – all finding a role in my writing.
