Joseph T. Riach

Born and brought up in the Scottish city of Aberdeen, 'Tom' as he is popularly known, is a lifelong entrepreneur turned author. He first penned his 'Inspirations' series of personal achievement guides to reflect his real life experiences, professional insights and personal views before turning his hand to novels. Tom lives in his Portuguese home of more than 20 years with his Belgian partner Erna, her three imperious cats – and no mice!

Tom was a precocious and introvert child, obsessive footballer and outdoor activities enthusiast. He gained an early claim to notoriety by setting the family home on fire while lighting a camp fire in the sitting room!

In young adult life he pursued a somewhat less incendiary course - his independent spirit demanded he become self-employed. He soon established, acquired and operated several small businesses. By following his simple ethos of being happy at what you do and sharing that happiness with and helping others, his enterprises flourished and a career in which he has owned, directed, managed, consulted and sold within a host of industries and just about any type of business you care to name was established.

Tom also liked to write. His passion was ignited (!) in childhood at Aberdeen Grammar School where Lord Byron had studied in a previous era. Tom's first success came in winning an essay competition when just twelve years old and from then on there always lurked in the corner of his mind a desire to 'do something with words'. The seeds were planted but it took the sun and rains of many seasons before his once impossible thought of writing a book took tangible form.

Ten books later, and counting, Tom now lives and writes in the sunny south of Portugal. Whether in Novels or Inspirational texts, his is an easy style, more John Buchan than Dickens, and epitomised by an impish wit and satirical humour typical of his Scottish upbringing.