Born in South Auckland in the last century (though it seems like just yesterday) Clare has tried lots of things in her working life, but always involving people – and words.  She has an extremely patient and quiet husband, three grown noisy children, and is a proud nana. (Want to see the photos?) And there is the furry family too – the two dogs and two cats. They are all cosy foot warmers, excellent listeners and lumpy, living floor mats. Her hobbies include writing, reading, the beach, and doing things with family, friends and the dogs.

Clare has had heaps of readers, all levels, styles and genres, published and sold here and overseas, with some even translated into other languages – which is really exciting.

She’s also had poems, articles, and adult short stories published in books, newspapers, and magazines, and has twice been short-listed for the Joy Cowley Award.

And her first novel for kids will be in the shops, in 2008– which is even more exciting!

Clare believes that although growing up is non-negotiable, growing old is optional, and loves nothing better than chasing rainbows by writing for, and with, all ages of children.

Active Member: Write4Kidz (NZ), NZSA, also Manukau-Counties sub-branch, Storylines and RWNZ

The Great Shave is her first mainstream novel, and Egghead, her second story in the Lightning Strikes series. The Great Shave is a wild and colourful adventure in the exciting, funny new Lightning Strikes series. Stix reckons he’s the Screaming Greenie Meanies biggest fan, so when the band holds a concert in his town, Stix and his mates just have to go. And to get into the spirit of the event, they decide to dye their hair green. Stix’s mates use green hair mousse - but there’s not enough for Stix. In desperation he uses green food colouring, and the consequences are devastating. But Stix is able to use his misfortune to his advantage and becomes a legend instead of a joke!

Clare has had over 35 Readers Published since 1992, including:

Great-Granny’s Birthday - Galaxy Kids Maths, Sunshine 2002
Goodbye, Ebony ** - Galaxy Kids, Sunshine 2002
Fred’s Super-Scooter ** - Galaxy Kids, Sunshine 2002
Snoopy The Snail - Galaxy Kids, Sunshine 2003
Night Fishing  PM+ - Thomson Nelson 2003
Ooh! Aah! - Wendy Pye 2004
Yummy In My Tummy - Wendy Pye 2004
The Bungy Jumper - Wendy Pye 2004
Drive – Cars, Speed and Horsepower! - Choices, Learning Media 2005
Happy Birthday, School! - School Journal, Learning Media, 2007
Little Bat - McGraw-Hill 2007
Discovering Shipwrecks - McGraw-Hill 2007
Dial 911! - McGraw-Hill 2007
Hospital Helpers  - McGraw-Hill 2007
Drummer Girl - McGraw-Hill, Signatures Series 2008
Drumming Up Business - McGraw-Hill, Signatures Series 2008
Marching to the Beat - McGraw-Hill, Signatures Series 2008

Poems

* also new imprint translated into Danish 2006, Maaholm publishers Denmark 2004
** also new imprints in Award series for the USA and Asia/Pacific market 2007

Many of these stories also available on audio tape, CD/DVD and Internet with activities to suit.

A Greenish Baldish Legend - a children’s humorous novel, accepted by Walker Books (Australia) 2008

Story (Ride of My Life!) in Dare and Double-Dare, children’s short story anthology with Barbara Else and Random House 2007.

Poem (Full Stop.) in Poetry Pudding – children’s poetry anthology, Reed 2007.

Clare's three latest books are small independent but interlinked stories
about drumming, edited by Joy Cowley - Drummer Girl, Drumming Up Business, and Marching to the Beat (Clean Slate Press).

When not helping ESOL children learn the anomalies of English, or working with keen writers of all ages and stages, Clare loves writing, reading, the beach and bush, and her family and friends - human and furry. And spying too to get more ideas for more writing!