I decided that I wanted to become a teacher when I was a little boy – it was my dream job! In 1998, I achieved my long-held ambition by securing a post at Layton Primary School, Blackpool. I spent fifteen magical years there and feel privileged to have taught so many wonderful children. It does make me feel really old to think that my first pupils are now in their late 30s!

While I was teaching, I delivered lots of 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 time to sit down and write.

In 2013, I made a life-changing call. I decided to leave my teaching post and take the plunge into the world of writing and storytelling. I finally managed to turn the ideas into stories and in October 2014, I launched my first book, ‘Impossible Tales!’ Five books have followed. It’s been a writing whirlwind!

My writing adventure has taken me to primary and high schools across the UK, and even some overseas. I have shared my books, performed stories and written with countless numbers of children. I’ve performed stories in libraries across the North West and do all I can to support these vital community hubs. I’ve even held creative workshops at The Grundy Art Gallery, Blackpool. Two days of story performances at Selly Oak Trust School in Birmingham, the largest SEN school in the UK, are up there with my best gig highlights. My largest audiences to date were at the Wordpool Family Day at Stanley Park, Blackpool and National Play Day at Haigh Hall, Wigan where I performed my stories for hundreds of families in glorious sunshine. The memory list is endless.

In addition to working with children, I’ve visited Blackpool Sixth Form to work with aspiring creative writers and explored ways of ‘bringing stories alive’ with 1st year teaching students at University of Cumbria London campus. I’ve delivered reading and writing INSET with staff in schools, along with guest speaker presentations at numerous education and literary events.

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