About me:
I've enjoyed history as long as I can remember.
My passion for history spans a wide range of eras, but here are a few that truly fascinate me:
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Post Roman Britain c.408 - 600
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The Hundred Years War
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The Peninsular War
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The American Civil War
I've recently completed my first book! A non-fiction, yet fun and accessible novel: A King's Gamble: The Neville's Cross Campaign 1346, which is complete and awaiting publication. I'm not working on the follow up to A King's Gamble: A King's Ambition: The Crecy Campaign. I'm also working on a fictionalised memoir of mayhem called Roughly Translated, which has been a work in progress for many years!
My Story
I was born in Hexham, Northumberland, but spent much of my early childhood in Germany.
I've worked all kinds of jobs in the past and never really settled into any particular field.
I played in a punk rock band for many years and still enjoy music, both playing and listening.
I'm a total film buff — if you’ve seen it, chances are I have too (twice).
From the age of 12, I’ve been obsessed with history. This love of past eras found me in the bathroom one day, reading a well thumbed copy of Sharpe's Company by Bernard Cornwell that my father left lying around.
Since then, I’ve devoured all manner of historical fiction and non-fiction.
Today, I run my own successful business with my wife (who is also a full-time primary school teacher), and I occasionally work in education.
Who Inspires Me?
I read nonstop. I've always got a book or two on the go. I love physical books most of all - there's something magical about holding a book in your hands for me. However, I'm also fond of audiobooks, when well done.
There are many authors who've inspired me over the years and it's difficult to list them all, but I shall try.
First and foremost, Bernard Cornwell. For me there is no better storyteller. The rich narratives and deep character work is brilliant. The Flashman novels by George MacDonald Fraser are also in my regular reading rotation - you can't help but root for that rogue Flashy!
A whole host of other writers inspire me to write. On the non-fiction front Jonathan Sumption is a wonderful writer who I enjoy immensely. In terms of other fiction authors: Giles Kristian, Matthew Harffy, Ben Kane, Conn Iggulden, Angus Donald and a host of other talented writers who have that knack of bringing history to life inspire me no end.