G D Newby

I was born 58 years ago in Walsall, West Midlands and I have lived in Birmingham not quite all my life (yet!). I was a civil servant in HMRC for almost 30 years before deciding that it wasn't for me - that is to say, it was decided for me. I was unemployed for seven years, during which time I took up a long dormant hobby writing short stories (horror mostly). I attempted a children's novel after taking a course on that type of writing and it currently languishes it a bottom drawer. I'll no doubt be exhuming it and it will become my second publication. My current book is actually the second one I completed.

It was actually my father who suggested approaching Amazon, following my disappointment at having the dreaded rejections from agents, and my book includes a dedication to him. God bless parents.

I live alone - unless you count the seven-inch Panama tarantula I have as my flatmate - and enjoy reading (natch!) and going for runs and long walks on the beautiful country park I live next to. Most of my story ideas are born there.

Well, that's it so far. A new career, and hopefully a new life.