What you’ll get from my writing

Everything I write about is useful, or interesting, or both – or at least, it is to me. And that's very much the point: if I've found something helpful or thought-provoking, I figure others like me will as well. So that's what I share through my newsletter and on this site: ideas for people with curious minds, notes for the inquisitive.

The subjects that tend to capture my attention the most are:

• How we can take better care of our physical and mental health

• Ways to build financial security, from smart money decisions to performing well at work

• The creative arts, and the inspiring, exceptional people responsible for them

Hopefully, you’ll find my writing easy to follow, and the goal is always to make you smile, leave you with some food for thought, or provide some practical tips you can act on straight away. Most of what you’ll see from me will take you 6 minutes or less to read, although I occasionally write longer, more in-depth articles and guides too.

If you’re the type of person who feels like you still haven’t got things figured out yet, well, you and I have that in common. Everything you’ll read from me is inspired by things I’ve read, discovered, or experienced, all in the pursuit of trying to understand the world and get a little bit better at life.

Still interested? Read past issues of my newsletter and sign up here.

You can also check out my reading list, which includes all the books I personally recommend, with summaries, quotes, and more.

I was born in Sheffield in 1986, an only child.

From the moment I could hold a pen, I loved writing. The first thing I remember creating was a short story about a disembodied toe that came to life and went off in search of adventure. I'd kill to still have imagination like that now, especially on the days when writer’s block is hitting hard!

Later, I combined my passion for words with my love of music and began writing songs. I joined a band with three schoolfriends, and we spent our teens and early twenties chasing success that sadly never came. That period taught me a lot about creativity, and built friendships that continue to this day.

After a false start of becoming a college dropout and spending a few years working in IT, I went to Sheffield Hallam University as a “mature student” (aged 22…) to study journalism.

I graduated with a first-class honours degree in 2012, and got a features writer job at a local publishing company soon after. I had some incredible experiences during that time, including test-driving an Aston Martin sports car and going on a whale-watching trip to Australia. A highlight was interviewing the late Peter Stringfellow in a strip club…

The publishing company had a book division, which was to be my next career move. I worked on cookbook projects with high-profile chefs like James Martin, Raymond Blanc, and Ainsley Harriott, but my proudest moment was launching an autobiography for a local legend in Sheffield to raise money for cancer support.

In 2017, I moved into marketing and copywriting, and continue to work on a broad range of websites and campaigns today.

I proposed to my partner Francesca in Valencia in 2022, and the following year we got married on a beautiful summer’s day surrounded by all our favourite people. We live in Sheffield with Bonnie, our black Labrador Retriever.

My life changed in 2024 when, after a severe Crohn’s disease flare-up, my bowel perforated. The surgeons were able to save my life, but I was left with a stoma. A reversal attempt in 2025 failed and put me in intensive care.

Recovering and adjusting to my new reality hasn't been easy, and much of what I write about today is informed by this experience and how it’s altered the way I approach life.

I’m a proud member of the Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association and Crohn’s & Colitis UK, two charities that have helped me immensely.

My newsletter, Notes For The Inquisitive, launched in 2026. I’m excited to see where it takes me next.

My story so far