Jean Burnett

I grew up in London between Hampstead and Highgate and later in Hertfordshire. I developed from a young book worm and secret scribbler into an adult bookworm and scribbler. Occasionally, I even got paid for the words.

I studied at Exeter University and later did a Master’s degree at Cardiff, University of Wales. After I married I lived for several years in Canada and the US and briefly, Mexico.

I now live in Bristol where I worked for some years at the University of Bristol. I also taught creative writing and did freelance work for various agencies and magazines.

After my children left home I decided to become the world’s oldest backpacker for a year. I sold my house and followed in the footsteps of those intrepid 19^th century  lady travellers  –  I self-published a book about my adventures called Vagabond Shoes which won the novel prize at the Winchester Writers’ Conference.