I have been writing for as long as I can remember.  I wrote my first book aged 7, which was about the birth of my baby sister, and my next, which was a school project, aged 12. I haven't stopped writing since, and my day is not complete unless I have written down some words, be it for a crime novel, a children's book or simply jotting down ideas. 

I have always loved a good story, and I remember as a child my Dad making up stories which he would tell me at bedtime.  Perhaps I knew then that I would have to make up stories of my own, and I think he planted the seed of storytelling back then. Sadly, my lovely Dad died when I was 27, and I still miss him every day and hope he would have been proud of my achievements.

I read to my daughter every night at bedtime, with Roald Dahl stories being her favourite books.  I think it is so important to encourage children to read at an early age, and reading to them is a great way to pique their interest in books. My daughter is now 35 and an avid reader.

I have always wanted to become a published author, and my cosy crime novel, The Mysterious Disappearance of Marsha Boden, has received some great reviews. One phrase keeps being repeated: 'I couldn't put it down.' It is such a thrill to read those words, knowing that my story has transported readers to another place, another time and connected them with some great characters.

For me, reading and writing go hand in hand, and I try to do both most days. I enjoy being transported to another place, another time and connecting with interesting characters. Reading is a great way to escape from the fast-paced modern world that we live in today, and a good place to get away from all the 'noise'. Even if it's for a short, precious amount of time. Reading is good for the soul.