I started work in the building where the process was developed to make carbon fibre strong. It was inspirational because carbon fibres are the weakest, fluffiest structures you can think of …and yet, someone imagined them differently and now they are one of the lightest, strongest structures that can be formed into any shape. (Arthur C Clarke imagined our modern world of satellites, phones and computers in his science fiction books before they came into existence). I found the oil industry in the late 80’s & discovered the excitement of occasionally going to work on a helicopter. I was lucky enough to be transferred ship to ship on a basket dangling from a crane, a few times, which was brilliant, especially onto a supply boat in a good swell. Some jobs involved cementing-in the legs of new platforms and there is no experience like watching thousands of tonnes of platform stage being lifted over your head and placed on the new legs, when you’ve just demonstrated that the cement was sufficiently set! I ran a Drilling Fluids laboratory and a Gas Plant Laboratory in the North east of Scotland. Now, I write and illustrate children’s books, in Aberdeenshire. I hope what I imagine inspires you, your children and grandchildren to read, laugh, point, enquire and describe what’s going on and imagine stories of your own. Read the books, discuss the story; the words; the issues and create lasting bonds with your children and grandchildren. It’s a magical time. Don’t miss it!