I am the product of many influences, including my family, friends and community. I also have literary and academic influences, and I am thankful for their inspiration and skill.​

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In terms of my literary heritage, my influences include authors such as -

Anne O'Brien

Helen Castor

John Man

Rachel Naomi Remen

Pearl S Buck

Eben Alexander

Georgette Heyer

Susan Howatch

Anne Rice

Barbara Erskine

Anita Diamant

Rosalind Miles

Neale Donald Walsch

Monte Farber and Amy Zerner

Jean M Auel

Raymond E Feist

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So, if you're familiar with any of those authors, you'll realise that I'm interested in historical biographies and fiction, with a sprinkling of fantasy and spiritualism thrown in.

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Pearl S Buck was the one who took me from girlhood to grown-up; her novels were heart-wrenchingly real and heartbreakingly tragic. I think her books were the first historical fictions I ever read; and I could never get enough. More recently, Anne O'Brien, Anita Diamant, John Man and Helen Castor have inspired me and satisfied a need in me for well-balanced characters telling their truths intelligently.

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In terms of my academic heritage, I have had the privilege to work alongside professionals known for innovative and wholistic work, in the fields of cancer treatment (Jarad Martin, Jim Denham and colleagues), healthy weight in severe mental illness (Lesley MacDonald-Wicks, Mark McEvoy and Doreen Mucheru), schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders (Linda Campbell, Martin Cohen, Helen Stain, Mike Hazelton, David Castle, Vera Morgan, Anna Waterreus, Yann Quidé, Vaughan Carr, Ulrich Schall and Robyn Langdon), and social psychology (Stefania Paolini and Mark Rubin).

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As much as I write personal growth ("self-help") books, my style is pretty quirky. I like to start with a story; a fiction with which to resonate. This gives my readers the chance to ponder the concept of "another life"; and the idea that there is a place for chance, but also for choice, in our existence. Rather than overwhelming the reader with lots of words and references, I prefer my books to feel like a conversation.

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Please check out my workshop testimonials here.

Please check out my book and blog remarks here.

My Bio for Public Speaking engagements is here (please ensure you have my written permission before publishing it).