I live in England and have three children, two birth children and one adopted. When I left school I held a clerical position in the civil service, which I left to start a family. At the same time I became a foster carer, which is the inspiration for much of my writing. I have been a foster carer for over twenty-five years and am what's known as a specialist foster carer, sometimes referred to as a level 3 carer. This is in recognition of my experience and qualifications and means that I am often asked to look after children with complex needs or very challenging behaviour. I have a degree in education and psychology which I was awarded as a mature student. I have always been a writer - from when I was at school, with poems in the school magazine. In my teens I began writing short stories, articles, a few radio plays, and entering writing competitions. Like many writers it was a hobby - something I did almost furtively in my spare time, while working, and then later fostering and looking after my family. The two halves of my life - writer and foster carer - came together in 2007 when I wrote about a child I'd fostered and the book immediately became a number one best seller. Since then there have been many bestsellers, thanks to you. I really appreciate all your support and best wishes. Cathy xxx