My Books and what inspired me
A world-leading science museum had a profound effect on my writing direction
May's Moon
From a standing start, with only remnant memories of school science, my visit to the London Science Museum provided the inspiration for my first children’s book and space trilogy, May’s Moon.
The dynamic, fact-packed Exploring Space exhibition had me hooked from the moment I entered. Rather than engaging my school group of 8 year olds in what the exhibition had to offer, I was immediately transported back to my 8-year-old self.
I imagined another world; beginning only sixty miles above me, where air was absent and where science was so impressive that it could land foil-like models on the moon I’d taken for granted. Perhaps one day, a child would make it into space?
It was the best school trip ever and started me on a quest for more information as I began to plan my story. The more I looked, the more I discovered how many teachers, librarians, volunteers, scientists and public centres are devoted to science education.
4 months into my research, I found myself talking to astronauts, growing rocket seeds that had been into space and creating asteroids with a teacher from a space academy. I didn’t need the excuse of a school trip to make my next visit. This time it was to the National Space Centre to look at rockets, astronaut suits and a mock up of part of the International Space Station.
Before long, I was enrolling on space lecture events, listening to astronauts talk about life in micro-gravity and reading whatever I could find.
If my character in May’s Moon was going to become the first child astronaut, he had to complete real astronaut training and know everything that was involved.
The publication of my first book was such a thrill and I soon set off on bookshop, library and school visits to talk about it. The more I talked, the more children asked about the science behind space travel and exploration.
I soon discovered that I wanted to share some of the knowledge and science resources I’d discovered along my writing journey.
This led to the development of school workshops for 7-12 year olds where I’m fortunate to be able to talk about space fiction and space fact. Many schools study space as part of the curriculum and I endeavour to enrich their learning with my interactive fact-packed workshops.
There is a never-ending list of science educators to thank and science resources to appreciate.
Without them, May’s Moon wouldn’t exist and I wouldn’t look up at our amazing sky every night.
The Shell Secret (Candy Jar Books)
As a child, the sea, beaches, caves and rockpools meant escape from routine, the chance to explore and, of course, an element of danger. I loved visits to my Cornish family, not only for the fun-packed holiday or the giant Cornish pasties my nana used to make, but also for the precious time spent together. My grandpa used to tell me the most vivid, exciting and mesmerising stories. I don’t know where they came from but I do remember being captivated by the flawed, yet defiant characters and their perilous adventures.
As an adult, the coast creates an immense feeling of well-being and calm in me, with its unique perspective, colours, sounds and smells. I feel a sense of my own place in the world when I look out to sea and cherish the power, beauty and importance of our oceans.
In The Shell Secret, I wanted to use a setting that has had huge influence on me, as well as creating a mystery adventure that looks outside for its action and answers. A parent-free world, danger and the power of friendship are at the heart of the classic adventure stories I admire and something I wanted to bring to my readers in The Shell Secret.
May's Moon Trilogy
May’s Moon: Book I
(Action Adventure / Sci Fi for 8-12 year olds)
Michael May is wearing a space suit, standing on the edge of the world’s largest pool, about to find out what it’s like to be weightless. Beating thousands of others, the geeky boy they call ‘Micky Moon’ at home, is one of ten children from around the world accepted onto the ‘Children’s Moon Program (CMP)’ in Florida. If he can survive the g-force of a space shuttle launch, overcome his secret fear of water and pass the other battery of tests, he could win a place on the next mission to the moon.
As Bob Sturton from NASA subjects the candidates to pass or fail tests most teenagers can’t even imagine, thirteen-year-old Michael has to decide how desperate he is to be one of the top three. Some of the others seem willing to do almost anything. Is he? He’s nothing special here and only the final three will go on to a two-year astronaut-training program, to decide who gets to go to the moon.
May's Moon ISBN: 9781782797807
May's Moon: Fortis Mission: Book II
(Action Adventure / Sci Fi for 8-12 year olds)
Fifteen-year-old Michael May makes history as the first child in space and part of a crew to the far side of the moon. However, from the moment he docks at the International Space Station, things change…
Theft, sabotage, and a shocking discovery threaten Michael May's mission to the moon and force him to act. If he can’t find the answers, the mission will fail.
Fortis Mission ISBN: 9781789040913
May’s Moon: Book III
I’m working on the final story in the May’s Moon Trilogy. Sign up for my newsletter to find out what I’m up to and when the final May’s Moon book is out.
The Shell Secret
For 11-year-old budding detective Alice Clark, summers in Trevellen used to mean roaming the beaches and rockpools, collecting shells with her sister, Poppy. But this year is different.
A year after Poppy’s death, Alice returns alone — determined to build a shell memorial in her honour, and desperate to ensure her sister is never, ever forgotten.
Jed's Jailbreak
Jed Carter is mad about dogs but, since an accident in which his puppy Blaze was killed, Jed’s parents won’t consider another dog. The closest Jed can get is a summer job at a local rescue centre. This is heaven for Jed, until he discovers some gruesome secrets.
Jed has to find enough evidence to go to the police before it is too late for the dogs…but then he is caught.
