Welcome fellow book lover!

Curl up, grab your favourite mug of tea, and get cosy as we explore the enchanting world of stories together. Whether you are looking for book recommendations or writing tips you’ll find it here.

Like you, I love books - reading them, buying them, gifting them, and talking about them. I mostly read historical fiction and romance, however, what I love most of all is good storytelling and writing and I’ll happily sit down with a children’s book, mystery, classic, or non-fiction book if it promises to be a good read. As in life, I don’t like being pigeonholed!

For years, I’ve been tiptoeing around the world of words and storytelling and have written articles, done editing and proofreading, helped non-fiction writers write their first drafts, and played around with my own stories. Now that my children have all finished school and two out of three have flown the nest, I’m ready to knuckle down and take the step from dreamer to published author.

I look forward to sharing my progress as well as my favourite books with you.

Jo x

 

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT ME?

Here are 13 quick facts to help us get to know each other better…

  • I’m English and have lived in seven different countries (so far) - England, Scotland, Germany, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Fiji, New Zealand - and far too many houses to count!

  • I am a mum of 3 grown children (24, 22, 18) and am married to a Kiwi who I met in Hong Kong!

  • My ‘dabbling’ in writing has included a handful of published articles, ghostwriting for female entrepreneurs, editing everything from web copy to books, and mentoring aspiring non-fiction writers

  • I have a diploma in Creative Writing & Children’s Literature and certificates in Journalism and Shakespeare

  • I recently did a writing course with NZWC and was awarded one of the highest marks ever given

  • I am a qualified Yoga Instructor (Hatha, Restorative, Yin, Postnatal, Mum & Baby, Meditation), Baby Massage Instructor, and Story Massage Instructor

  • I was once the singer Enya’s hand double in a music video and was a weird Angel in a white rubber dress in a Terrorvision Video!

  • I get Cluster Headaches and also have a bunch of food allergies - thankfully not chocolate

  • Five of my favourite authors are Philippa Gregory, Belinda Alexandra, Julia Quinn, Katie Fforde, and Santa Montefiore (that was very hard to narrow down!!)

  • If I’m at a party, you’ll find me nosing around the host’s bookshelf or on the floor cuddling their dog or cat

  • I think bookshops and libraries are the greatest places on earth

  • I love dogs and cats equally

  • I also love Autumn, Christmas, the smell of rain, cosy socks, oversized jumpers, welly walks, hot chocolate and books, books, and more books!