As both a writer and a photographer I have operated professionally for various spells in the UK, where I grew up, and South Africa; where I explored on safari, sailed, climbed, dived and got married. I became a permanent resident of New Zealand in December 2007; where I settled on the South Island to enjoy the beautiful scenery and pursue my creative interests. I am married to Christa, a white South African and we have a son in Wellington (NZ) who is married to a New Zealander; their first child will arrive next January. I also have a daughter, who is currently completing her second year in Biology at Canterbury University (NZ) and likes to fly helicopters. I used to contribute articles on photography to Camera User Magazine in England and I have published other magazine pieces on various non-photographic themes, e.g. boat-building. As a keen conservationist, I have spoken publicly on Natural History and Environmental Topics. I have had many pictures published and won some national photographic competitions and yearbook entries in the UK. My underwater movie work has been televised in England. My photographic interest extends to some unusual fields such as polarised-light photomicrography and underwater photography both of which yield vivid, colourful images and I have composed a range of articles and talks to stimulate interest in artistic photography. I have a wide range of scientific interests and have travelled extensively, particularly in Europe and Africa, to enjoy diving, climbing, caving, yachting and safari photography. I joined the South Island Writers’ Association three years ago and have been inspired by their monthly contests to compose sixty short stories, fifty poems and one hundred flash fiction shorts on a wide range of subjects. Because I am an out-door fitness / sports man / naturalist, there is a deep vein of environmentalism and healthy living in my work. I am a member of both the Photographic Society of New Zealand and the New Zealand Society of Authors. I have composed a half-completed textbook on photography and four half-finished novels, so I am very keen to have my short story work published and apply the lessons learned to these more extensive undertakings. My commitment to authorship is wholehearted and currently I have plenty of time and resources to develop my art. I have even invented a new form of poetry called the Bicoloured Poem that may one day make me famous. About to be published my current book... Flash Bangs: a sparkling array of hundred-word short stories is aimed at general readers who will be excited by a new hundred word story every day for a hundred days. These hundred tales leave out no genre and will amuse, inspire and delight booklovers who dip into the collection when they have five minutes to spare... say while sitting on commuting transport or taking a lunch break. Readers will enjoy getting a quick entertainment fix from these tiny gems when time is limited. The book will make a great gift to suit an extensive diversity of tastes and will prove the saying... variety is the spice of life! One Hundred Varieties... Do not miss this book! My new children’s book published on 18th NOVEMBER 2013…The Adventures of Ollie the Octopus, ISBN 978-0-473-26799-5 RECOMMENDED PRICE: $ 19.90Ollie is brave, resourceful and romantic, a hero among octopuses. His exploits cause many lobsters to be bamboozled and occasionally grateful. He ends up being the object of desire for the lovely Octavia. She is a bashful octopus. How will they meet?

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