J.L. 
Bleakley

The ocean has long held a spell over me. I've always thought it possessed a certain element of magic and I'm yet to be proven wrong. There are a thousand stories beneath its waves and I feel honoured to contribute to them. I also feel greatly inspired by people who rise above their circumstances and chart their own course in life, much like Ching Shih did. I aspire to possess their determination and grit and will never tire of telling their stories.

Reading has given me so much. It has educated me, taught me empathy, given my imagination wings and offered an escape. Stories are powerful and I love sharing them with others, especially children - not least of all my own. My family is my joy and spending time with them playing, exploring, collecting treasures and memories will always be my greatest passion.

My writing mantra is borrowed from the very talented Stephen King: "It starts with this: put your desk in the corner, and every time you sit down there to write, remind yourself why it isn't in the middle of the room. Life isn't a support system for art. It's the other way around."