At a young age, I decided that I wanted to become a teacher. In 1998, I achieved my long-held ambition by securing a post at Layton Primary School, Blackpool. I spent fifteen magical years working there and feel privileged to have taught so many wonderful children.

While I was teaching, I delivered many writing sessions. I was able to see which topics and themes fired the children’s enthusiasm. I decided that I wanted to create stories which would make children want to pick up a book as I firmly believe that reading is the key to so much in life.

I hatched a plan to write a series of short stories for children. I formulated my ideas and played around with them for years, but teaching being the demanding job it is, I didn’t have the time to sit down and write.

In 2013, I made the decision to leave my teaching post and take the plunge into the world of writing and storytelling. I wrote a collection of weird and wacky short stories and in October 2014, I launched my first book, ‘Impossible Tales!’ Five more books followed. It really has been a writing whirlwind!

My writing adventure has so far taken me to hundreds of primary and high schools where I have shared my books, performed stories and written with tens of thousands of children. I’ve performed stories in Blackpool, Lancashire and Wigan libraries and do all I can to support these vital community hubs. I’ve even held creative workshops at The Grundy Art Gallery, Blackpool. My largest audience to date was at the Wordpool Family Day at Stanley Park, Blackpool where I shared my stories with hundreds of families in the glorious Blackpool sunshine.

In addition to working with children, I’ve visited Blackpool Sixth Form to work with aspiring creative writers, spoken to English degree students at Blackpool and The Fylde College about children’s literature and worked with FE students at Nelson & Colne College. I’ve delivered reading and writing INSET in schools, along with guest speaker presentations at numerous education events.

It’s been a rollercoaster ride so far, which is quite fitting for a writer who’s spent most of his life in Blackpool. I’ve loved every minute of my literary journey and I’m genuinely excited about what the future holds.