Hello and welcome!

I am an author, freelance journalist and self-development facilitator. I write books and articles, do inspirational talks, and present self-development workshops.  More details on other pages. For day to day thoughts and schedule updates please see (Dear) Diary

Getting to know me

My Roots

I was born in Cardiff, capital of Wales (part of Great Britain). That makes me Welsh, which I love.  However, my father’s roots are Irish - hence my surname - and my mother is Scottish. I feel certain that this all-round Celtic heritage enlivens both me and my work.

Heaven by Toni Ndikanwu

Writing - My Path

My mum taught me to read and write before I started school and by the age of five I was an avid reader. I remember curling up behind the curtain on the low windowsill of our dining room (it faced the back garden) soaking up winter sunshine, nose in a book, snacking on apples.

At school, aged seven we were encouraged to keep a daily diary. I loved doing this so much that I decided to write a book. I wrote all of about 3 chapters.

Around the same time my first foray into journalism made the front page. It was a letter to the local newspaper highlighting the lack of play parks in my area.

Aged 10  I wrote a play which we performed at school.

After that I identified with the late great comedian Ernie Wise and his ‘a play a day’ sketches as I had numerous starts at plays and books. Finally, I am pleased to present my first book 9 Days to Heaven in print. I have had countless articles published in Greece where I spend a lot of time.

I am proud to be a member of the Society of Authors. (www.societyofauthors.org) They have already helped me enormously.  And I get a big kick out of being part of such a talented and successful membership.

Tip for Budding Authors / Journalists

Get into the habit of carrying a small notebook to record things that inspire you. Be it a sunset, quote, funny incident, or whatever - catch it on the spot. It’s never as compelling when written from memory.  (In this I emulate Vincent van Gogh - my favourite artist from a girl - who always painted from real life.)

Training - My Path

My Dad is a natural teacher and I guess  I follow him in wanting to pass on things that have worked for me.

As a manager in the Civil Service I was introduced to personal development. When I moved into the training sector I greatly expanded on this, plus got formal classroom tools and seven years of presentation experience.

Later, I developed my own workshops.

My Faith

I have been walking with God and Jesus from a small child. I bring them into everything I do. That way I stay on the path of love which is leading to my heavenly home.

My faith is a part of who I am and whatever I am doing - be it writing, interviewing, meeting with friends, dancing, driving, and so on.  I live my life this way because I choose to. It takes effort to stay on track. I don’t always make it. But I want to. So, as soon as I realise I’ve veered the wrong way I put more time and effort into nourishing my soul and spirit and go on again. 

Me - A quick Glance

Pet likes:

• smiling people
• cats
• sunshine
• hot buttered toast and English Breakfast tea
• poppies in cornfields

Pet Dislikes:

• bad manners
• cruelty in any form
• tomato soup