There's an old idea that every novel is at least partly autobiographical and I suppose Cally's World is no exception to that rule.  I grew up in a pretty tough area and I took piano lessons:  unlike Cally, though, I never quite had the chance to attend a Viennese Ball.  I have visited Vienna and also all the other beautiful places which Cally will go to throughout her travels.  As a young child, I devoured books and my favourites were the Enid Blyton Famous Five series - I couldn't get enough of these adventurous youngers and their little dog, Timmy.  I lived in the UK unti recently but now live in New Zealand with my husband.  I work full-time as a teacher and in my free time send Cally on her travels!

I have worked as a freelance features writer for UK magazines. In addition to my first published book - Cally's World - I have written a full length screenplay called Shadows which is just waiting for Peter Jackson to come and along and discover it!