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Nicky Singer was born in 1956 and has worked in publishing, the arts and television. She was co-founder and co-director of Performing Arts Labs, a charity dedicated to training new writers for theatre, screen and opera. In 1995 she presented BBC2’s highly acclaimed documentary series on women’s fertility, “Labours of Eve”. In 2000, Nicky was made a board member of the South East Arts Board. Nicky lives in Brighton with her husband and their two young sons and a daughter.

William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest playwright the world has seen. He produced an astonishing amount of work; 37 plays, 154 sonnets, and 5 poems. He died on 23rd April 1616, aged 52, and was buried in the Holy Trinity Church, Stratford.

Paullina Simons was born in Leningrad in 1963. As a child she emigrated to Queens, New York, and attended colleges in Long Island. Then she moved to England and attended Essex University, before returning to America. She lives in New York with her husband and children.

Nicola Skinner worked as a copywriter and journalist before turning to novels. BLOOM is her first book for children.

Mark Sperring is the author of several highly-acclaimed picture books including the Sunflower Sword and Captain Buckleboots on the Naughty Step. He lives in Bristol where he also works as a bookseller.

Amy Sparkes is a talented storyteller and is the author of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize nominated Do Not Enter the Monster Zoo. She lives in Devon with her husband and five young children. Amy enjoys having adventures and writing stories about other people having adventures. She is a passionate supporter of baby charities and 5% of author royalties from her books are donated to various baby charities.

Mandy Stanley was born in Lowestoft, Suffolk. She attended Great Yarmouth College of Art and Design and then went on to do a fashion degree in Nottingham. Mandy has won awards for her soft toy designs and has also worked as a children’s clothes designer. She now works full time as a children’s book illustrator.