My story began when I was born in Westminister in 1965, weighing 8lb. I was raised by my strong Jamaican mother along with my three sisters and a brother. I have spent most of life living in South London. As a child I had a passion for baking, the kitchen was always filled with the aroma of cakes and biscuits.
At the age of 14 my first Saturday job was in Curtess shoe shop in Brixton which I thoroughly enjoyed.
At secondary school I was nominated to be a prefect in my second year, so I had at a young age a lot of responsibilities.
My first passion for writing began when I won a poetry competition at school at the age of 14 years old. Its a memory that I have always remembered.
Throughout the years I was always writing short stories during my spare-time.
At the age of 15, I won a trophy for hardwork and recognition of acheivement. In addition I was nominated as house captain in my sixth form.
Whilst in the sixth form I accomplish my City & Guilds Secretarial diploma and RSA diploma. After leaving School I worked at The Royal School of Needlework in South Kensington as a typist. It was a great experience.
I live with my loving husband and my two beautiful children in Surrey.
I worked at the BBC as a Facilities I.D unit assistant for 10 years,and left when my first child came along and it was from that moment that I made the decision to revert to my passion of writing children stories based upon my African heritage.
My first novel "A Dance To Remember" was published in November 2014. The second novel 'The Hidden Treasures Within' will be released in mid Sept 2017.
As an author, I enjoy engaging with my young readers and organizing workshops around the U.K.
I have hosted numerous workshops in schools, libraries, hospitals and various festivals, incorporating storytelling, arts and crafts, African drumming and dancing all based on the theme of "A Dance To Remember".
I was invited to go to Muirhead and Granton library in Edinburgh to do "A Dance To Remember" presentation for Black History Month in early October 2016. Without a doubt, gave me much pleasure.
I think that it is very important for children to trust and believe in themselves,to foster a sense of perseverance that will allow them to triumph in all areas and endeavours of life from an early age.
Know that life is not without its challenges and opportunities, and it is this adage that permeates throughout "A Dance To Remember".
The development of cultural and traditional awareness is more important now than ever before. One classroom can potentially contain children from different cultures and literature is a great vehicle for helping them broaden their horizons.