I was an only child for six years and all my playmates were invisible to everyone but me. We created games and adventures which we played in the space under the stairs. Sometimes my cousin would come over to play, but then all my playmates would disappear.

My first attempt at creative writing was a poem in fourth or fifth grade, which my teacher thought was fabulous. I also secretly wrote a short story about a caveman and his dinosaur friends. No one ever saw that piece except for me.

I was bom in 1948 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. Although I always loved to write, art was the main creative activity in our family. I painted and created art works from anything I could find. I ended up studying Art Education and taught art in primary and secondary schools in both Michigan and Virginia. I moved to Australia in 1974. When I arrived in Melbourne, I returned to university and did a Diploma of Fine Art. I exhibited my work as well as taught art and other subjects.

I didn't begin writing seriously until my first child was born. She and my second daughter, as well as our cat and dog were very inspirational. I joined a writing group in 1990 and began writing more poetry, short stories, novels and children's books.

Now I divide my time between writing, illustrating, painting and my family.

Books written and illustrated by Adrienne Mazer-Swinton published by Ginninderra Press

All available from Ginninderra Press, PO Box 53, Charnwood, ACT 2615