Writer of children’s stories

seeking Agent representation

WriteMentor '26 - WINNER, shortlisted and Longlisted

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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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Writing Magazine - 2nd Place

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SCBWI Slushpile '25 - 2nd Place

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WriteMentor '26 - WINNER, shortlisted and Longlisted

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Searchlight '25 - Longlisted x2

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

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Yeovil Literary Prize '26 - Shortlised & Longlisted

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Ascent Children's Prize '26 x 3

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WriteMentor '26 - WINNER, shortlisted and Longlisted 〰️ Alice Corrie Award '26 - Highly Commended 〰️ I am in Print (Little Tiger) '25 - Shortlisted 〰️ WriteMentor '25 - 2nd Place & Shortlisted 〰️ Writing Magazine - 2nd Place 〰️ SCBWI Slushpile '25 - 2nd Place 〰️ WriteMentor '26 - WINNER, shortlisted and Longlisted 〰️ Searchlight '25 - Longlisted x2 〰️ Idea Idol - 2nd Place, Shortlisted & Longlisted x 2 〰️ Yeovil Literary Prize '26 - Shortlised & Longlisted 〰️ Ascent Children's Prize '26 x 3 〰️

For almost two decades, writing stories and leading accompanying developmental workshops has been a primary focus of mine. I have co-founded/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.

Many people assume writing a picture book 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 grown-up 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 WriteMentor, SCBWI and three amazing critique groups.

Competition success

I’m delighted to say that to date, my picture books have now achieved a total of eighteen listings in international writing competitions. (One story has been working particularly hard, having earned five listings all to itself).

  • WINNER, shortlised and Longlisted x1 in WriteMentor ‘26

  • Second Place and shortlisted in WriteMentor ‘25

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

  • Second Place in SCBWI Slushpile challenge ‘25,

  • Second Place in Writing Magazine ‘24,

  • Highly Commended in Alice Corrie Awards ‘26

  • Shortlisted in I Am In Print ‘25 Longlisted x2 in Searchlight ‘24.

  • Top 100 ×3 in Ascent Children’s Prize (Competition ongoing)

I write voice-led, characterful stories that spark connection between children and their grown-ups, and I particularly love creating books that children don’t just listen to, but get to play with 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 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.

Other writing…

In addition to picture books, I have written two short stories for adults that have been recognised in the Yeovil Literary Awards, 2026 (one made the longlist, the other is currently on the shortlist).

When I can squeeze it in, I am also drafting a funny, lower-middle-grade novel.

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 BBC, YouTube and National Film & Television School’s inaugural Create.X.Connect programme for children’s storytellers, educators and content creators.