Steve Hewitt

I hail from Chesterfield in North Derbyshire, England. Born in the 1950s, I grew up with a love of reading and an interest in science fiction (inspired by my paternal grandfather).

After studying Economics at Nottingham University and Health Economics at York University, I embarked on a brief career as an academic, just as the Government ended the tenure system. I then tried my hand at working for the NHS, but soon realised it had little use for my health economics skills, it just wanted to say it had them available!

Tiring of the politician's fondness for endless and largely pointless tinkering with the health system, I joined the national Education Department as an analyst, specialising in international comparisons. Out of the frying pan ...

In 2005 I married and, through my wife, met a budding author. On announcing, as you do, that I'd always fancied having a go at writing a book, I was stunned when my new friend responded with 'What's stopping you?' A little later, with the help of this friend, I joined a writing group and began learning the basic skills involved in producing a story.

In 2013 I grasped an opportunity to take early retirement.

I now spend most of my time writing, walking the dog and entertaining my grandchildren - not necessarily in that order.