Influences

I draw inspiration from books that make me think, from the philosophical to the mysterious. Think The Power of Now meets the puzzle-solving thrill of National Treasure. That’s the space Circles inhabits: a place where adventure collides with personal transformation.

Personal Learnings

Writing Circles taught me that when you’re truly in the zone, you can live inside your story, alongside your characters. Because of this, ideas can strike at any time, even in the middle of the night, so I always keep my phone or a trusty pen and paper handy to capture them!

Favorite Moments and Hidden Secrets

Every chapter was a joy to write, but I have a particular fondness for the scenes set in Framlingham. This village sits close to my childhood home of Ipswich, and whenever I return to the UK, I make time to walk those streets and reconnect with that part of my life.

There are also ‘cryptic secrets’ scattered throughout the book—nods to places, people and moments that those who know me well might recognize. I won’t give them away here. Part of the pleasure is discovering them yourself as you read.

What Circles Is Really About?

At its core, this story asks: How do you live a purpose-driven life? How do you make a positive impact on the world around you? Beyond the adventure and mystery, I hope Circles raises awareness of the challenges we face and inspires readers to take action—however small those actions might be.

This commitment extends beyond the page. A portion of the proceeds from Circles supports Chapters of Change, a nonprofit working to improve literacy in remote parts of the Philippines. This organization was founded by my fourteen-year-old daughter, and supporting this cause has become deeply meaningful to our family.

What Comes Next?

I’m exploring ideas for a sequel, but only if there’s a story truly worth telling—one that’s engaging and impactful in its own right. I won’t write a second book simply to capitalize on the first. Stay tuned for where the journey may go next!

My Writing Journey

I like to immerse myself fully in the story. I try to carve out blocks of uninterrupted time, usually stolen from early mornings or late evenings after the family has settled in. Family always comes first; writing is the privilege that comes second.

Before I start, I create a high-level outline of the story, then expand it into detailed chapter outlines. As I start writing I know where the story is headed, but the exact path unfolds as I write. That unpredictability is part of the magic. It’s where the characters truly come alive and take the story where they want it to go.

Research & Challenges

One of my favorite parts of the process is the research. I love diving deep into locations and the history to make the story immersive. I guess that’s from my scientific training! While only about 10% of what I learn ends up in the book, the rest informs the direction and authenticity of the narrative. The tech geek in me even got caught up studying the 3D scans of Neolithic sites like the Dowth passage tomb to ensure accuracy!

Finding the time to write was one of the biggest challenges. Life has a way of taking priority, and balancing it with writing meant the book took longer than expected (I’m probably not the first author to say that!) The passion to complete it, however, never wavered.

Why I Chose This Genre

I set out to write a story that blended philosophical ideas with a deep sense of environmental responsibility. As the narrative took shape, it became clear that it wasn’t just a mystery—it was a call to action. I realized that the message belonged with the generation who will have the greatest impact on our planet’s future. Naturally, the story evolved into a YA novel—one that aims to inspire readers to explore their own potential and the role they can play in shaping a better world.

The Inspiration

The seed for Circles was planted during a flight to Singapore a few years ago. With headphones on and the aircraft’s hum fading away, the idea of writing a novel took hold. I’ve always loved writing, but this was an opportunity to learn the art of storytelling. I wanted to create something with a lasting impact—not just for my own children, but for young readers everywhere.

The story is deeply influenced by my childhood, my home county of Suffolk in the UK, and the New Forest where I once lived and worked. Places like Framlingham, Woodbridge, and Beaulieu play a central role in the narrative because they played a major part in my life. I wanted readers to feel as if they could walk through these locations, to sense the history and magic that exists there.