CHILDREN’S AUTHOR

My Story

As a child I loved to escape into a good book, a world of make-believe where absolutely anything was possible. I often imagined new adventures for the heroes in the books I had read, and mentally planned out for them fantastic futures that stretched far beyond that final page. My favourite childhood authors were AA Milne, Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl. I was also a big fan of the Mr. Men and Little Miss series by Roger Hargreaves. Books played a very important role in my childhood.

My father was an avid storyteller; he made up outrageous and delightful stories that fed my growing imagination. Every story my father told had a lesson in it. More often than not my father used his made-up stories as a parenting tool. I fondly remember not wanting to eat my food and my father saying, “Well you don’t want to end up like Mary Lou, do you?” and in an instant a story was born, one that delighted and entertained whilst imparting an important lesson, a lesson that not only taught but that also encouraged and empowered. It is for this reason that I accredit my storytelling talent to my father, Lancelot Steven Shepherd. Sadly, he passed away years before my first books were published but, in loving memory of him, I publish all my work under my maiden surname, Shepherd.

Following in my father’s footsteps I am a firm believer in stories with a moral. As a mother I found them an invaluable tool. Although I do write a few stories without a specific moral, it is my aim to re-establish the importance and value of stories that teach as well as entertain. Through my stories I hope to rekindle a love for stories with a moral in children and adults alike. My mother, Heila Shepherd, has always encouraged me to fulfil my dreams, and she managed to see greatness in the most mediocre of achievements. Along with my mother, my two older brothers and older sister are always there to offer a word of encouragement. My biggest fans are my husband and my children, who never getting tired of listening to a new story.

When I am not writing I still love to escape into a good book and to spend time with my family. I dream of traveling and I love the seaside. My favourite food is curry and I have a weakness for chocolate. I believe in having an attitude of gratitude. To focus on what I have rather than on what I don’t. I find it amusing that my own stories teach me valuable life lessons, change my way of thinking and equip me to handle challenges. You really are never too old to learn.