Writer,  poet,  editor & mentor

Someone recently asked me if I was still writing. I replied, “you may as well ask me if I am still breathing.” Creative writing and poetry are my lifelong passion.

I write contemporary fiction, including short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. I am also an editor, creative writing coach, and mentor for new and established writers online and in person. I offer creative writing workshops and guidance for writing groups.

I am of Scottish and Māori (Ngati Raukawa) descent. Born and raised in Putaruru, a small timber-milling town in the South Waikato, Aotearoa (New Zealand), I grew up in a family descended from pioneers of both cultures; honest and hardworking, grounded in their ancestry and rugged rural environment.

I had my head in the clouds, however - my thoughts flew to imaginary landscapes. From an early age, I read books and wrote stories. I conjured fantastical friendships and built worlds as yet unknown to mankind. Over the years, I have tackled angst, relationship challenges, family and career commitments, joy and sorrow through the gift of creativity.

I am based in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand and have a BA in English Literature from Massey University, and qualifications in editing and proofreading from the NZ Institute of Business.

My writing has been published in numerous anthologies and literary publications over the last 30-odd years.

My first poetry collection, Letterboxes: Indigenous Poetry, was published in 2014. My second poetry collection, Barefoot on Eggshells, was published in 2026.

Since 2015, I have mentored many beginning and emerging writers and poets, including people facing life challenges, on their creative writing journeys, including memoirs and non-fiction.

I am still working on my masterpiece.