Stuff About Dan…

Thanks mum!

I was born in Oldham in 1975 and grew up with brass banding as the soundtrack to my childhood. Those early years—lugging instruments to rehearsals, learning discipline, and discovering the magic of making something bigger than yourself—shaped the rhythm of how I tell stories. There’s a certain steadiness in music, a resilience in practice, and a humour in the moments that go wrong, and all of that has found its way into my writing.

Life hasn’t always been straightforward. I’ve had my share of personal struggles and stretches where mental health made even simple things feel like steep hills. I don’t go into the details in my work, but I don’t hide from them either. They’ve taught me patience, perspective, and the importance of finding something to laugh about—even if it’s just the absurdity of a bad day. Humour has always been one of my most reliable tools: dry, self-aware, and a way of keeping myself moving when things feel heavy.

I’m a proud dad to three brilliant sons, and they’re a constant source of inspiration. The everyday chaos, the unexpected conversations, the tiny moments of connection—they all feed into the stories I write. I love exploring the idea that difference is something to celebrate, not smooth out. My characters often wobble, wonder, and find their own voice, because that’s something I’ve had to learn myself.

With a background in creative problem‑solving and hands‑on practicality, I tend to approach writing the same way I approach life: figure out what’s in front of you, make it work, and add warmth where you can. My debut children’s book, Twit‑Twoo the Owl, is rooted in inclusivity and courage. It encourages young readers to embrace what makes them unique and to see that sometimes the thing you worry sets you apart is actually the thing that makes you shine.

These days, I write with music still in my bones, humour in my toolkit, and family at the centre of everything. My hope is that my stories help children—and maybe a few adults—feel seen, understood, and wonderfully different.