Who Am I
I am a creative person with a background in Textiles and Fashion. I worked as a textile designer after leaving the MA RCA textiles/fashion course in 1989 to live and work in New York. I travelled widely in my career and found great inspiration for my passion for writing.
After returning to the UK, I worked as a freelance consultant in London before moving to the south coast with my young family. I set up a designer children’s wear business before changing the direction of my work and I took an MA in Creative Writing at the University of Sussex, West Dean.
Over my career, I have run art clubs and art holiday camps over many years and whilst living in New York, volunteered to work with children in homeless shelters and with children from disadvantaged homes and found encouraging them to find freedom in their creativity very inspiring and fulfilling.
I am interested in stories that are written about people in other places and places of otherness. Writing for teens has been a wonderful way to have a conversation about the growing issues of diversity and identity in a very fast changing world.
Equally I am interested in the voices of women particularly those struggling to be heard.
My debut novel was La Santa Muerte.
My current projects: I Am Coolie and the Manhattan Diaries.
Author Portfolio
In The Press
In The Press
I have finished reading "All our Yesterdays". I was fascinated to read it, not just because I know you. I wish I had read a novel like this when I was in my early twenties to better understand the insecurities and needs of young single women.I recall hearing from you a little about your time in NYC but the detail was fascinating as I felt your conversion from a UK girl in NYC to becoming an NYC girl.You have certainly had a very adventurous life all in all!Structurally it's an unusual novel but that did not stop me from being fully drawn into the series of linked vignettes. I could not put it down You have a beautiful way with words. You have explored the ultimate search we all have for satisfactory love in all of its dimensions by putting our trust in another human being to share the challenges that life throws in front of us. The older I get the more I think it's a remarkable ambition.I admired your courage and integrity for putting your life out there for all to read. Its a remarkable piece of work and a remarkable life, always holding on to your personal integrity. I hope your life is more settled and happy now.
John Stapleton, LLB, BA.