Virginia Burdon

I was born and raised in New Zealand, and currently live in South West London not far from the famous Oval cricket ground.

After initially working in London in magazine publishing, I went back to New Zealand in the early 70s and became a stoneware potter before returning to the UK and joining the Central Office of Information - the UK's government information service. This was followed by another publishing job with the private sector in Washington DC, and two memorable months as a volunteer elephant carer with an elephant sanctuary in Sri Lanka.

In 2012 I completed a second degree in Fine Arts at the City and Guilds of London art school, and continue to paint, with a focus on portraiture. Winters are spent in New Zealand so I can enjoy a second summer and see family. I am also an avid adventure traveller.

My first book, 'Stalker - A Wall of Silence', was born out of an encounter during my school days with an eccentric piano teacher who was fixated on the composer, Benjamin Britten. Since it was published I have continued to discover more about this troubled woman who eventually came to believe she was Britten's wife.

I have written two more novels - 'Keeper of the Secrets', a family saga bridging three generations, and a political satire based on my experiences while working with the COI. Called 'The Rise and Rise of Tommy Head', it is being published on 6 September.