Hi there! Lovely that you’ve dropped by!
I write novels for children: Fir for Luck (2016), Punch (2017), Wilderness Wars (2018), Black Water (2019), The Siege of Caerlaverock (2020), The Chessmen Thief (2021), The Reluctant Rebel (2022), Rivet Boy (2023) and The Boy, the Witch and the Queen of Scots (2024). In addition, I have written two non-fiction books for adults called Scottish by Inclination (2021) and Made from Girders (2023). Alongside writing and visiting schools as an author or storyteller, I also work as a drama teacher in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland.
First and foremost, my writing is aimed at children, but I also enjoy dabbling in short stories and drama. I enjoy writing reviews of books, theatre, music and spoken word events. In addition, I run a group for those interested in writing for children, am a founding member of the Time Tunnellers and KILTS (Kids’ Literature Scotland).
I love books (obviously), nature’s wild places, history, baking, folk music (I fiddle badly in my church band), old buildings, mosaics, Celtic Christianity, thick woolly jumpers…
Oh yes: And I do have a soft spot for all things puppetry. You have been warned!
Writing Success:
Books for Topics Best Book for Curriculum Support (2023): Rivet Boy – Winner
Historical Association Young Quills (2022): The Chessmen Thief – Winner
Historical Association Young Quills (2021): The Siege of Caerlaverock – Winner
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Crystal Kite: Punch was shortlisted in 2018.
Nairn Festival Short Story Competition (2012) – Winner
Creative Scotland Easter Monologue Competition (2013) – Winner
Ballantrae Smugglers Festival Short Story Competition (2015): Winner
Pockets Magazine Fiction Contest, US (2015): Winner
Kelpies Prize (2013) : Never Back was one of three shortlisted.
ACW UK Short Story for Children Competition (2014) – Runner-up
Scottish Association of Writers’ Write Up North 2014: 3rd place
