I was born and grew up in Leicestershire, UK where I have lived my whole life except for 12 years in Morayshire, Scotland. I went to sea in the Merchant Navy at 18 and have been captain for more than ten years, working mostly on the West coast of Africa and the North Sea. During my off hours on board, and while at home on leave I write romance and fantasy novels, read and, occasionally do the odd degree by distance learning. To date, I have master's degrees in Creative Writing and Environment, Health and Safety from the Open University and Sunderland University respectively. My other main interest is tropical fishkeeping.