I am a storyteller whose career was launched when, at the age of seven, I contracted polio and struck a bargain with my hospital wardmates: they would strap my brace onto my leg—and I would tell them stories.
Since then, I've spent my life telling stories in countless forms—as a journalist, and writing for both the page and the screen. I’ve written over 1,200 scripts for drama and comedy, led dozens of writers’ rooms, and served as head writer on some of South Africa’s most popular soaps.
In 2006, I co-founded All About Writing with novelist Jo-Anne Richards. Together with our partner, Trish Urquhart, we’ve helped thousands of writers take their stories seriously—many of whom have gone on to publish award-winning work.
For fifteen years, I lived for months each year on my narrowboat, Patience, navigating the rivers and canals of England and Wales. From that watery vantage, I wrote more than 500 motivational essays about writing and life.
Now based on a houseboat on the River Great Ouse in Bedford, UK, I continue to write my Monday Writing Motivations—delivered fresh every Monday.
