I write about myself, my inner people who are the many aspects of me - but I also investigate the contrary ones who aren't. I write about things that might be - that could be...if only. I explore the question what if? which is why science-fiction comes into it - but not necessarily. One of my novels is the rags to riches story of a Sicilian girl. Always loved reading, but especially sci-fi. Major influences include Asimov, Bradbury, Heinlein and Wyndham. I'm fascinated by the idea of living on Mars. I know there's a project to send a few colonists on a one-way trip in a few years, so I'll be watching out for that and following it closely.  What do I want from favourite authors? Something that will carry me away to another world - one that's far removed from the mundane. I want good writing, atmosphere, real people - so that's what I try to write. I love reading novels by people like Sarah Waters, Lionel Shriver and Stephen King.

I've won several prizes for my short stories, including one presented by Bernard Cornwell at the Manchester Literary Festival and one published in 'Mslexia'. Had two articles published in 'Practical Family History,' one in 'Yours Magazine' and two in 'NWAG' magazine. Poems published in a two compilations by Scholastic books. I'm editor of Pennine Ink Magazine.