I am a writer, artist, martial artist and musician. There is little I am not interested in if it involves using my imagination and creativity. I was born in Matlock, Derbyshire in 1953 and currently live in Essex where I write, teach self defence, paint and record electronic music. I have been painting and drawing since I was first able to pick up a pencil. The covers for my current series of novels were painted by me especially for the book using acrylic on board. I started writing science fiction at Junior school for a competition, which I won, and have never stopped. I live to complete my next novel and consider all success and failure to be part of the learning process. I used a pen first, then a manual typewriter in the early 70's. I eventually graduated to word processing on an 8 bit computer in 1984, moved up to 16 bit and then to PC. Currently my novels are written using an app on a popular tablet. I started learning martial arts in 1973 and am currently 4th Dan in Karate and Self Defence. I run a twice-weekly class in the Laindon area of Basildon. I bought my first electronic Keyboard in 2005 and have since recorded 9 albums of electronic music. My favourite sounds are from a Jen SX1000 but most of my playing is done on a Korg Kronos. My philosophy: be kind to others and do it now, no excuses.