I am a Tolkien scholar with various science and historical interests that connect with a wide range of thinkers. Driven by a desire to make knowledge inclusive, I seek to push boundaries by simplifying complex, abstract concepts into everyday language.
I first read The Lord of the Rings when I was ten years old, and as a result I became an avid reader of the fantasy genre in general. Whilst I have loved the work of many authors, Tolkien’s books are the ones that I continually re-read. I am always looking for new avenues to explore it.
I adopted a child from Ethiopia, and this motivated to read everything I could about its culture and history. I was immediately struck by the incredible similarities between the unlikely worlds of Ethiopia and Tolkien. I continued uncovering and compiling a treasure trove of amazing connections for over twenty years that culminated in my new book, Tolkien’s Secret Exposed. This non-fiction narrative takes the reader on my personal journey to uncover the disruptive and uncomfortable truth that Tolkien based The Lord of the Rings on historical Ethiopia.
In addition to Tolkien, I enjoy science, history and spirituality. Most of all, I get intrigued when these topics intersect and challenge the status quo. I enjoy writing my own fantasy novels because they give me the freedom to explore life with fantastic but plausible worlds, plots and characters.
As a writer I like to engage my reader with a conversational style and my quirky sense of humour whilst embarking on a journey through complex, abstract concepts. I respect existing knowledge but like to explore new frontiers. Essentially, of course, it also needs to be fun.
My wife and I live in Perth, Western Australia, and have a large, blended family that includes adopted children from the Philippines and Ethiopia.
