I've always had a strong interest in anything mysterious or supernatural - ever since coming across an illustration of a ghost in a children's Ladybird book at the age of six.  Strange really, because it scared me so much that from then on I always skipped that particular page, except for the rare occasions I steeled myself to take a peek.  Nowadays of course I'm much braver.  I've even visited countless haunted locations both for pleasure and for research.  I'm yet to be tested on my reaction to seeing a real ghost, but I live in hope (and a little trepidation).  Much of what I write, be it fact or fiction, contains a generous helping of the mysterious.  If I can find a way to mix it with one of my other pet interests, ancient history, so much the better. By monumentally good fortune I find the two go together like a hand in a glove.  And if I can impart to that hand just a little nervous tremble - well, even better still.