A M Hankins

I spent my formative years as a somewhat rebellious pupil at a strict all-boys' school run by Roman Catholic priests. In later life, my close friends have been quick to point out that this explains a great deal.

My first literary work was a piece entitled Acorns. This was a one thousand word punishment essay issued by an overzealous school prefect who caught me mid-misdemeanor probably doing something I really shouldn't have, like running a jolly roger up the school flagpole or deliberately exaggerating my sins in confession. Anyway, Most of the time they never bothered to read the essay so I 'd start it off on topic, then fill the remaining 900 words with gibberish. I'd gotten away with that for years but this particular prefect was a little too keen and upon reading the essay, instantly discovered that the content bore no relevance at all to the reproductive process of oak trees and I was despatched at full speed to the Headmaster for a solid thrashing. Undeterred, and somewhat sore, my second piece, Max and the Revenge of the Polar Bears, has been published for a much wider audience, safe in the knowledge that my literary critics no longer wear dog-collars, black full-length cassocks and wield whip-like bamboo canes.

Despite the predictions of many, including my school's career advisor, I have avoided a life of petty crime. Instead, i have achieved notable success in several sales roles within the energy conservation and IT industries. When I grow up, I plan to devote my life to the conservation of sharks but for the time being, I live happily as a semi-recluse, hidden away in the countryside, with a surprisingly tolerant wife and two lager-drinking, chilled-out Labradors, named Briggs and Brains.

I never set out to be an author and the idea of writing a book never crossed my mind. However, I became frustrated with my eldest daughter (aged 15) who would read the first chapter or two of a book, often books I found exciting, interesting and thrilling, and she would declare them 'Boring!' Max and the Revenge of the Polar Bears sprung forth because I was determined to write a book that could hold the attention of even the most 'bored' teenager. My writing style in this book is therefore fast-paced, it's punchy and it's to the point. The first draft was 400+ pages, the final edit was cut to 328. It's written in a style that I hope makes the reader gasp, pause for a second and want to turn the page. I am glad to say it worked for our daughter and I sincerely hope it works for yours too.