ABOUT ME

I wrote my first novel when I was 10. Inspired by Lawrence Cortesi's 1983 novel Target: Daimler-Benz. Rather small at 4 pages, it was a novel to me. I still have Lawrence's book on my writing desk to channel the inspiration. Along with a Lego Land Rover Defender, a Nguzunguzu form the Solomon Islands, a Millennium Falcon, a little Boba Fett and a bronze Lockheed Loadstar made just after the Second World War. Oh, and an iMac which I love.

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Growing up across Queensland, as my parents followed work, reading was an obsession which grounded me. Finally, we took root in the small coastal town of Bundaberg. It was in Bundaberg my writing grew. My mother still talks about hearing the tapping of keys on the old typewriter I used, late at night. It was here I started to develop the unique style I use today. Low chapterisation and rapid character aspect changes.

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I joined the Royal Australian Air Force at 17. It was dramatic and life changing. After over 30 years as a permanent now a reservist I have gathered the unique experiences only the service can give you to shape and add authenticity to my writing.  In 2008/2009 I found myself in Iraq and Kuwait, a life altering experience you can find embedded amongst the pages. For the last 20 years I have worked with the teams at the Combat Survival School. A truly one of a kind unit.

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A while ago now, I stopped moving across Australia and found myself in Cairns, Far North Queensland, for a job and I stayed. The shore side of the maritime world dragged me in and I've loved the experience.

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Back to writing. Why do I take on the challenge of being an Author? Because it gives me a deep sense of satisfaction and pleasure. I have written regularly for the last 40 years and draw my inspiration from life and in particular the sky. It has always been a dynamic space for me to find new ideas and refine the old.

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I am an exhaustive planner and researcher for each novel, before I commence writing. Accuracy is very important to me. I set a firm start date and write at 1500 words an hour for 2 hours a day, occasionally more. A 100k word manuscript takes me about 31 days and I give myself 60 days to write it. I am highly driven once I start a project and a crazy statistics keeper.

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My journey to an Author with work people could actually buy started with independently publishing my first three novels. I did not look for a traditional publisher. I wanted to take on the task, and experience it for myself. I am a better Author for it. I had always wanted the Damien Hunter series of novels to be traditionally published. Big Sky Publishing saw its ember amongst the ashes and it has grown into a three novel deal. I am very grateful to Denny Neave for his vision.

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I enjoy to hearing from readers. You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and rarely on Twitter. Or send me an email using the Get in Touch link below.