I had a varied career which included work in offices, laboratories, in a factory and on a farm, as well as some time as a rock guitarist, before realising that what I really wanted to do was write. I took a degree in Drama and English and an MA at the University of London, and have been a working writer now for over twenty years.
I began as a playwright and scriptwriter, and have written plays for Radio and Theatre as well as television scripts for a BBC soap. A decade or so ago I also began writing historical crime fiction. My Thomas the Falconer series of seven novels, set in Elizabethan times, has now been published here and in the USA, as well as in foreign translations and audio-books. I am passionate about the Tudor period, and having studied Elizabethan Drama, it was natural that when I began writing children’s fiction I would turn again to this era. Three books in my Elizabethan Mysteries series - set in the colourful, cutthroat world of the Elizabethan theatrical companies - have so far been published by Usborne: Rogues’ Gold, Traitor!  and Revenge!,  featuring boy actor and quick-witted detective Ben Button and his fellow players.
I have also taught writing courses and workshops in London and the West Country, and published a non-fiction book, A Survival Guide for Writers. I enjoy talking to writers and aspiring writers of all ages, but my sessions in schools and children’s libraries are the most fun!
School Visits
I am happy to talk to groups of any size up to a maximum of around sixty children, usually at Key Stage 2 (KS3 is also a possibility).  My books are among those Usborne recommend for schools, for the 9+ age group.
I normally offer a session of about one hour, based around my Elizabethan Mysteries. I begin with a lively talk lasting 10-15 minutes, illustrated with large hand-held pictures, about Tudor times and the Theatrical background: travelling players, the first permanent theatre of 1576, the acting companies and playwrights like Shakespeare, etc, leading on to the boy actors and their vital role – which is where Ben Button comes in.
I then read extracts (usually no more than 2 or 3) from the books, and talk a little about Ben and his life. Finally I invite questions, which always fills up the rest of the session (spilling over it, if there is time!). I am pleased to talk about my work and about the writer’s life, and to give advice to budding authors.
I can see 2 groups in a half-day, depending on the school’s requirements.  Copies of my books can be arranged if required, by arrangement with the publishers. Reviews of my books and plays are available on request.
‘You were very brave in front of us and explaining about how it felt to begin writing a book and becoming An Author’
(Matty, aged 8½, St Michael’s C of E School, Aldbourne, Wilts)
‘I am writing to tell you how fabulous it was when you came in and talked about your book Rogues’ Gold. I really enjoyed it when you told us how you started to write… I have started to write fairy tales and stories. I really want to be a writer when I am older’
(Amy, Year 6, St Michael’s School, Aldbourne)
‘Mr Smith our teacher has been reading a bit of your book. I think it was really good but I couldent get it because I didn’t have enugh money’
(Flo, 7, St Michael’s School)
‘It was informative and interesting and captured the mood of the Elizabethans well’
(Ian Randall, Year 5 teacher, Landscore Primary School, Crediton, Devon)
‘A stimulating and interesting visit, and a useful tie-in with our studies of the Tudors this term’
(Year 5 teacher, St Nicholas C of E Junior School, Sidmouth, East Devon)
Children’s Books in Print
Rogues’ Gold, first in the series Elizabethan Mysteries.  Usborne, 2007.
Paperback, £5.99.  (Includes map)
Traitor!, second in series. Usborne, 2008.  Ppk, £5.99 (Includes map of Elizabethan London and theatres).
Revenge!, third in the series. Usborne, pbk, 2009.  (Includes map)
[Hawk’s Eye, 4th in the series, now in preparation]