Over the last few months I’ve been busy writing and working on a series of new books; for me, my inspiration has always come from my animals and life outdoors in my little corner of the countryside. My favourite days are when I watch the sunrise over the fields in the morning and hear Harold and Humphrey, my two donkeys, shouting for breakfast!

My latest book is about my faithful flat-coated retriever, Winston. As many of you know, Winston is not just my companion; he’s also now a muse. His playful spirit and boundless energy have inspired me to pen a new book dedicated entirely to his adventures on the moors. The story is fictional, and capturing his antics on paper has been a rewarding experience, reminding me of the importance of storytelling in connecting with our world. Each page reflects Winston's character and lessons he teaches me daily, loyalty, joy and the beauty of simple pleasures of spending time in the countryside. This book is due to be published on August 12th, and 100% of the profits raised will be donated to The Gamekeepers Welfare Trust.

Winston, as a flat-coated retriever, is a working dog and often spends his winters on the moors. I hope this book is enjoyed by little readers and encourages fellow dog and pet owners to enjoy every single moment with their family pets! You never know; it might even inspire budding writers to find inspiration in their own animals to write about.

My life with all my animals is full of adventures. Winston has lots of energy, so most days are filled with long walks and lots of time outdoors. On my small holiday together, he is particularly fond of the sheep. His happy nature is infectious, and most days he is bounding through the field.

Flat-coated retrievers are known for their friendly and playful nature, and Winston embodies this perfectly.

From early morning walks to evening snuggles on the sofa, he brings a warmth to our home that is hard to describe.

As the weather is now transitioning into spring, I have loved seeing the landscape around us transform into lots of bright colour and life. The daffodils have been in bloom, and now they are fading away. The blossom trees in the yard are starting to come out. All the animals here have been enjoying the longer days, lighter nights and slight change in the weather, and it won’t be long until it’s time to shear the sheep and alpacas.

Living on a smallholding is full of rewards; every day is different. From tending the sheep to collecting the fresh eggs from the henhouse, the farm is always alive with the sounds of the animals and nature around us.

Little Alf, my tiny spirited pony who first began my writing journey, recently turned 14. I’m not sure how that happened so fast; he first came to live with me when he was just 7 months old! He is still very much a huge personality here and is often telling the rest of the animals off in the fields!

He will release his next adventure book in a few months.