I'm a South African writer, living in one of the most challenging, troubled and inspiring countries in the world, on one of the most beautiful and difficult continents. So the stories I write usually have a double agenda - to portray the complexity of place and character around me, while still creating a good, fun, enjoyable read. My writing journey has taken me through many different landscapes, from award-winning young adult novels (now out of print), to adult fiction to biographical novel (about the South African San people) and some children's thrown in. I'm part of South African initiatives like BookDash and FunDza that aim to provide young readers from seriously disadvantaged backgrounds with quality stories that switch on the reading habit for life. Many of these readers have never even held an actual book in their hands. I often use humour in my stories because, as a serious person myself, it gives me the chance to laugh a little. I really enjoyed writing "Company of Dogs" and had a lot of fun with it. I even got swept off my feet a bit by the lead male character (I won't say who, because that will give the plot away.)

"The Slayer of Shadows" - English Academy of South Africa Percy Fitzpatrick Award 2000