Maxine Alan-Hart

Maxine was raised by a naturalist, farming family in Africa. This set her roots deeply in the natural world. Her passion for animal care and welfare led to a career in veterinary science. She graduated as a veterinary surgeon in 2003, and went on to complete a Masters in Wild Animal Health in the UK. Having travelled, worked as a vet and lived around the world, she is fascinated by human-animal interactions and how these vary across the world. She has a deep respect for different cultures and is inspired by the many acts of kindness, bravery and humility that she witnessed during this time. This has greatly influenced Maxine and her work.

As a veterinary surgeon for 13 years, Maxine dedicated herself to improving her animal patients and their human companions’ understanding of them. Throughout her veterinary career, she devoted herself to learning, teaching, training and sharing her knowledge whenever possible. She has authored and co-authored several scientific papers and case reports that have been published in peer-reviewed publications in the veterinary field.

During a career break, Maxine turned her hand to fictional writing which she now continues alongside her veterinary work. She finds creative writing a wonderful medium of expression to ensnare and activate the imagination. She hopes to inspire children and young people through her writing with positive messages and by employing kindness and compassion in her stories.