Like many, my creative journey began as a "hobby", something to do as entertainment. I was always gifted at storytelling. When I was younger, in my teens, I was enthralled by theatre. My best friend and I would write plays. But as I grew older, I knew I needed to focus and get a job. Coming from a working-class background, it was never contemplated that the creative arts could be a "proper job". So off I went to get a Master of Arts (that had nothing at all to do with art). I got the proper job paper shuffling. After what seems like a lifetime of studying, working and reaching the heady heights of virtual paper shuffling (so that was progress ... right?). I feel something needs to change. What if I could do the thing that makes me smile as more than a hobby?

So, this blog will detail my journey and the ups and downs of being creative whilst still keeping the lights on.

I am never far away from my brushes. I am always astounded and ever so grateful when I sell a painting, or someone buys a print. I'm just a wee lassie from Scotland who paints mountains (not literally, as that would take ages).

Latterally I have reignited my love for writing.

I have always been a fan of fantasy books, as well as being a Harry Potter fan (I used to take a full week off work for every book release... yes I was one of those Potterheads), but I adore the satire and humour in fantasy as Sir Terry (of the Prattchett kind not the Wogan). One of my favourite authors is Tom Holt, especially the JJ Wells series...I mean vampires as lawyers what could be more perfect?

My creative pursuits are that I am a Fantasy author, with my first novel due to be published on May the 4th, and I also paint Landscapes of Scotland. But I have been known to dabble in any creative crafting pursuit... the less said about the crochet incident the better.

So please join me as we journey into the unknown to make the creative life the only life.