Writer of children’s stories

seeking representation for picture books

WriteMentor '26 - Longlistedx3

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Alice Corrie Award '26 - Highly Commended

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I am in Print (Little Tiger) '25 - Shortlisted

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WriteMentor '25 - 2nd Place & Shortlisted

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SCBWI Slushpile '25 - 2nd Place

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Writing Magazine - 2nd Place

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Searchlight '25 - Longlisted x2

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Idea Idol - 2nd Place, Shortlisted & Longlisted x 2

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WriteMentor '26 - Longlistedx3 〰️ Alice Corrie Award '26 - Highly Commended 〰️ I am in Print (Little Tiger) '25 - Shortlisted 〰️ WriteMentor '25 - 2nd Place & Shortlisted 〰️ SCBWI Slushpile '25 - 2nd Place 〰️ Writing Magazine - 2nd Place 〰️ Searchlight '25 - Longlisted x2 〰️ Idea Idol - 2nd Place, Shortlisted & Longlisted x 2 〰️

For almost two decades, writing stories and leading accompanying developmental workshops has been a primary focus of mine. I have founded two active storytelling businesses—Drama Llamas and Animateys—both dedicated to inspiring children to learn and grow through active story experiences. A few years ago, I took a step back from my entrepreneurial endeavours to focus on developing my skills as a picture book writer (and to get a sensible day job).

Many people think writing a picture is easy, but to do it well takes years of graft, practice, critique, rejection and single-minded resilience. With around just 500 words to work with, crafting a story that captivates both a small child and their adult from start to finish is no mean feat. Every word has to earn its place; the language must flow and carry a rhythm that comes into its own when read aloud. Picture book authors must consider pacing, use page turns to maximum effect, and find fresh, surprising ways to subvert expectations. And of course, they must think visually: the text must work seamlessly with the illustrations—each enhancing the other to bring the story fully to life.

I’ve been on my picture book writing journey for around five years now, and have gained such a lot from the process. I’ve completed various courses, including the brilliant Golden Egg Academy’s twelve-month ‘Writing for Young Children’ programme, I’ve been mentored by various editors and authors over the years and I’m a member of two amazing critique groups.

Competition success

I’m delighted to say that in the space of a year and half, eight of my stories have now acheived a total of fifteen listings, across seven competitions. (One story has been working particularly hard, having earned five listings all to itself).

  • Highly Commended in Alice Corrie Awards ‘26

  • Longlisted x3 in WriteMentor ‘26 (Competition ongoing)

  • Shortlisted in I Am In Print ‘25 (out of 595 PB entries, many with stories per entry)

  • Second Place and shortlisted in WriteMentor ‘25 (out of 450 PB entries)

  • Second Place, shortlisted and longlisted x2 in Idea Idol ‘25

  • Second Place in SCBWI Slushpile challenge ‘25,

  • Second Place in Writing Magazine ‘24,

  • Longlisted x2 in Searchlight ‘24.

I write both in prose and in fast-paced rhyme. I enjoy adventurous and heartwarming stories, but increasingly my preference tends to lean towards the silly. I am passionate about creating not just stories but experiences - where children don’t just hear a narrative but get to play with it too. In this current literacy crisis, I strongly believe that bold, fun, interactive books are more important than ever to draw in reluctant readers through play, participation and laughter.

My years of live sessions have helped me develop my voice, which now very much shapes my picture book writing. I aim to evoke the same emotional connection with my audience through my writing (and eventually the pictures) as I do during live storytelling performances.

I am currently seeking representation.

Agent judge feedback following the 2025 WriteMentor awards.

Agent judge feedback following the 2025 Idea Idol awards.

Narration and Other related work

  • I’ve written over 60 active stories and accompanying workshops and shared them with thousands of children across the country (and even, to an extent, globally).

  • I am delighted to have had the privilege of narrating 16 EFL picture books for Chinese publisher FLTRP.

  • I have been selected onto the inaugural Create.X.Connect programme for children’s storytellers, educators and content creators. It’s a 10-week training programme fully funded and run by the BBC, YouTube and National Film and Television School.