I was born and grew up in Pimlico in the heart of London, and went to school in the East End.
After dropping out of university, I worked at the Mermaid Theatre where a tolerant Bernard (later, Lord) Miles allowed me to be its publicity officer. When I left to live in Greece, I planned, among other things, to write a novel. I didn’t.
After a subsequent career in corporate communications, I came late to writing. My first novel, The Pimlico Kid (HarperCollins), is a story of first love. I now try to write most of the time–and fail too often. However, my second novel, Danny Boy (HarperCollins) published in January 2023
When not writing, I enjoy: reading (especially the ‘Wolves’ – Virginia and Thomas), listening to Neil Young and classical music, the theatre, and cycling. At a job interview in the 70s, I was pressed to name instantly three things that meant a lot to me (not family etc). Stumped at first, I came up with: Arsenal, Audrey Hepburn and the NHS. The same answer would do today.
I’m a proud vice-president of the world’s longest-running youth club, St Andrew’s Westminster because a good youth club can save your life.
I think that on a good day London might just be the centre of the universe – and that Pimlico is its finest village.
I live with my wife in south-west London, and we have two daughters.
