B A McHallam

I live in north east Lancashire with my family and my cat. I'm a keen amateur gardener, although I would be the first to admit that, whether the plants survive or not, has more to do with the will of God than any help I give them.

I am an active member of Pennine Ink, a group of disparate writers who write different styles of prose, poetry and plays. We meet each week at the 'Woodman Inn' in Burnley.

Several of my articles have been published in Northern Life and other lifestyle magazines. Four of my novels have been self-published on Amazon, 'It Began in Barbados', 'Matches', 'Eye for an Eye' and Your Nemesis. I've also self-published a non-fiction novel 'Life and death in two Lancashire towns. (Infant mortality in late Victorian Britain)'.

After taking early retirement from my first career as a bank manager, I managed to tick one item off my bucket list when, as a (very) mature student, I gained a BA and Master degree in History at the University of Central Lancashire.

My hobbies, as well as writing, include gardening. I have a large garden which is great to sit out in - especially in our lovely summer weather!! As a way of keeping active, I also enjoy going for long walks a few times a week.

When I get the opportunity, I enjoy travelling, particularly to Barbados and cruising round the Caribbean, where I enjoy the laid-back life style and friendliness of the people who live on those beautiful islands. My other favourite place is a town called Rieti, situated in the heart of Umbria, Italy, where I stay with the Italian branch of my family.