As an avid reader from an early age, I've always enjoyed books (and also the films of my favourite books). Whilst I read a wide range, I tend to lean toward science fiction, fantasy and historical (with a military angle).

I first wrote short stories in my early twenties, and although I've long since lost them, I can still recall most of the details as if I'd done them yesterday - in fact, a few ideas I had back then surface in my first book, Sky.

Away from writing, I run at least five times a week (usually with my dog), and will often amuse myself with ideas for stories. Sometimes they're based on what I see on my run, other times they just come out of the blue. Once I have an idea, I let it roll around in my head for a week or two and see what happens.

The test comes when I'm falling asleep. If I find the idea coming back and taking shape just before I drop off - then I know it's a goer. I get all flashes of inspiration in that wonderful moment when you start to drift, and suddenly your thoughts don't seem entirely your own - hence the first line in my first novel Sky :0)