Tell us about yourself.
I am a dad to two amazing kids. I have dyslexia and ADHD, both diagnosed later in life, but came as no surprise.
I have a quirky personality and can be quiet in big crowds or around unfamiliar people, but in my home environment, I am loud and full of energy. I think I’m funny, though my kids might disagree, but my friends and family would definitely back me up on that.
I work for an autism and ADHD support service, a role that means a lot to me.
Family is incredibly important to me. I live with my two kids half the week, and the rest of the time, it’s just me. Balancing work, parenting, and life can be challenging, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire UK, until I was 12, when I moved to Beverley, where I have lived for the past 28 years.
I wouldn’t say Goole or Beverley specifically influenced my writing. However, growing up in a quiet town with less to do may have pushed me to create my own entertainment through writing and worldbuilding. With fewer distractions, I had the space to let my imagination run free. That being said, I believe no matter where I lived, I was always meant to follow this path. Storytelling has always been a part of me, and I think I would have found my way to it regardless of my surroundings.
What was your journey to getting published like?
My journey to getting published was an interesting one. I started with small children’s books, the first being around 6,000 words, which I wrote for my daughter. After that, I wrote one for my son.
I had several rejections for the book I wrote for my son, and at the same time, I was trying to find representation but had no success. Eventually, I received an offer from Blossom Spring Publishing, which I accepted. After that, I sent them my first fantasy novel, and to my surprise, they wanted to publish that one too. They are such an amazing team and genuinely care about their authors. If they will have me, I would happily publish every book with them. They have just accepted my latest novel, which should be released later this year.
It can be challenging to face rejection, but I have learned that it is a normal part of the process. The key is to keep going and not let setbacks stop you. Every writer has their own journey, and persistence is what makes the difference.
What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve ever received?
My latest story received incredible feedback from my publisher. They described it as a great read with strong characters that readers can truly root for. They also praised the descriptions, saying they bring the reader right into the world alongside the characters.
One of the best compliments was when they said it has an air of *Harry Potter* while still being unique in its own right, which was exactly what I was aiming for. I wanted to capture that sense of wonder, adventure, and deep character connections while creating something entirely my own. Hearing that I achieved that balance was an amazing moment.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Keep writing no matter what, and always write for yourself, not just for others. Stay true to your vision, because when you write with passion and authenticity, your work will resonate with the right people. The hope is that readers will connect with your story, but even if they don’t, you will have created something that is truly yours. Writing should be about expression, not just expectation.
What’s a fun fact about you that your readers might not know?
I had behavioural issues growing up and was often told I would never amount to anything. ADHD and immaturity played a role, but a lack of understanding and support in school made things even harder. I had a misspent youth and went down the wrong path for a while, but I managed to turn things around. Now, I am focused on pursuing my dreams and proving that where you start does not have to define where you end up.
What’s your guilty pleasure book or genre?
My guilty pleasure has to be fantasy, though I do not really feel guilty about it. I always gravitate towards stories with rich worldbuilding, epic quests, and magic woven into every page. If I had to pick something outside of my usual favourites, I would say I enjoy the occasional fast-paced, action-heavy novel, something that does not take itself too seriously but keeps me hooked from start to finish. Like the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child. Sometimes, a fun, adventurous read is exactly what you need.
What’s your favorite quote about writing?
{"Never waste a good idea." – Stephen King
This quote resonates with me because inspiration can strike at any moment, and even if an idea isn’t fully formed, it is always worth saving. Some of my best stories started as half-formed thoughts that I set aside and revisited later. A good idea might not be ready right away, but that doesn’t mean it won’t turn into something great in the future.
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
I try to read in my spare time, but the past year has been a whirlwind. I work full-time, have two kids, and write whenever I can. When I do have downtime, I love to relax with my kids and watch a good film. Sundays are always family time, and we make sure to get together every week. Finding the right balance can be challenging, but spending time with the people who matter most is just as important as everything else.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
The first story I ever read was Oliver Twist, and I absolutely loved it. I was completely immersed in the world and the struggles of the characters. It was the first time I truly lost myself in a book. My first fantasy read was Harry Potter, and those books were pivotal to my love of the genre. They opened the door to magical worlds and endless possibilities. J. K. Rowling’s journey also showed me that persistence can pay off, which has been a huge source of inspiration in my own writing journey.
What has inspired you and your writing style?
I have always been drawn to stories that transport me to new worlds, whether through books, films, or my own imagination. Growing up, I loved epic adventures, deep worldbuilding, and characters who faced impossible odds yet found a way forward. That love of storytelling naturally led me to create my own worlds and characters, shaping my passion for writing.
My writing style is inspired by the books I have lost myself in over the years, particularly fantasy that blends adventure, mystery, and strong character development. Authors like Tolkien, George R. R. Martin, and Leigh Bardugo have influenced the way I approach storytelling, each in their own way. I love rich worldbuilding, layered characters, and stories that keep readers hooked with suspense, intrigue, and heart.
Beyond books, my inspiration also comes from real life. My own experiences, challenges, and the people around me all feed into my writing. My kids are a huge part of that. Becoming a parent changed the way I see the world, and that has shaped the way I write, pushing me to create stories that not only entertain but also leave a lasting impact.
I always strive to write the kind of stories I would want to read, ones filled with magic, adventure, and characters that feel real. My style is a balance of immersive storytelling and adventure, with a focus on friendship, resilience, and discovery.
How do you deal with negative reviews?
I have not had any negative reviews yet, but I know I am only at the beginning of my journey. I am dreading the moment it happens, but I also understand that no story is for everyone. Even some of the best books in the world have their critics.
All I can hope for is that the positive reviews significantly outweigh the negative ones. As long as my stories connect with the right readers and bring them the same joy and excitement that fantasy has always given me, that is what truly matters.
How do you connect with your readers?
Connecting with readers is something I am still figuring out. I came off social media a few years ago because it was making me feel worse, seeing everyone’s seemingly perfect lives without fully understanding that people only show what they want others to see. Most people don’t air the bad stuff, and that skewed perspective became overwhelming.
Now that my books are being published, I am trying to get back into social media and build a space where I can connect with readers in a way that feels genuine. At this stage, I have no idea how many people have even read my books, and I imagine it is not many yet. But as I reach more people, I want to engage with them, talk about stories, and share my writing journey. I know it will take time, but I am looking forward to the moment when I can have real conversations with readers who connect with my work.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My journey as an author has only just begun. I have so many stories to tell and never enough hours in the day to write them all.
My goal is to become a full-time author, where I can dedicate as much time as possible to writing and bringing my ideas to life. There are so many worlds I want to create, characters I want to develop, and adventures waiting to be told. For now, I will keep pushing forward, balancing writing with everything else, and staying committed to making this dream a reality.
Are there any Easter eggs or hidden messages in your work?
There aren’t really any hidden messages or Easter eggs in my work, at least not intentionally. My focus is on telling the best story I can, creating immersive worlds, and developing characters that feel real. That said, certain themes and ideas naturally find their way into my writing, often drawn from my own experiences and the things that matter to me.
One theme that always stands out in my stories is the importance of friendship and the bonds between characters, especially in the face of good versus evil. I have always been drawn to stories where strong friendships are just as powerful as magic or weapons. Whether it is loyalty, trust, or the way people lift each other up during impossible challenges, those relationships are at the heart of my writing. Some readers might pick up on recurring elements or personal influences, but there are no deliberate puzzles or secret meanings hidden within the pages, just the kind of stories I love to tell.
How do you approach writing dialogue for your characters?
I approach writing dialogue by writing from the heart and letting my characters speak naturally. Sometimes, I imagine what I would say in their situation, or I think about how people I know might respond. While my characters are always fictional, there are often elements of real people woven into them, whether in the way they speak, react, or interact with others.
The villains and their dialogue are purely fictional, but even they can be inspired by real experiences. Certain traits, attitudes, or ways of speaking come from people I have encountered, though exaggerated and shaped to fit the story. My goal is always to make dialogue feel authentic, whether it is a heartfelt exchange between friends or a tense confrontation between enemies. If it sounds real when spoken aloud, I know I am on the right track.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
If I could share one thing with my readers, it would be a heartfelt thank you. Thank you for taking the time to read my stories, for stepping into the worlds I have created, and for joining me on this journey. I hope you enjoyed them as much as I enjoyed writing them. Storytelling is something I am deeply passionate about, and knowing that my work has reached people who connect with it means everything to me.
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All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.