Meet Chris

Born on England’s east coast in 1939, the author grew up amid the chaos of World War II, surrounded by women while his father served in the Royal Navy. His early life was shaped by upheaval—his father’s difficult return from war, a new sister stealing the spotlight, and being sent away to boarding school at eleven. At school, he struggled with class divisions, faith-based isolation, and constant fear of failure, though he found refuge in music and marksmanship.

After earning nine “O” levels, he explored several uninspiring jobs before beginning a pharmacy apprenticeship with Boots the Chemist. Adjusting to working with women after years in an all-male environment proved challenging, but it taught him adaptability and confidence. His pharmaceutical career led him from small-town England to London, and eventually, a surprising post in the West Indies, where years of travel, cultural exposure, and personal growth transformed him from a shy village boy into a worldly young man.

In 1973, he and his wife Anita emigrated to Cairns, Australia, where he built a long career as a pharmacist and business owner through both triumphs and near-failures. Following a difficult divorce and recovery from PTSD, he remarried Rebecca, with whom he found peace and deep companionship. Later years brought new ventures, including writing and publishing novels and historical works inspired by ANZAC stories. His creative journey, guided by resilience and curiosity, led him to discover fulfillment in authorship and mentorship from publisher Ocean Reeve. Now living contentedly in retirement with Rebecca, he reflects on a life that’s been full of challenges, reinventions, and blessings—a true roller-coaster from a rural childhood to a rich, creative twilight still unfolding.