PETER CROPPER - CHAIR

I am Pete Cropper, Chair of the Chorley and District Writers’ Circle. I am a former modern languages teacher who, since withdrawing from the profession in 2002, has indulged in a great deal of multitasking in the world of part time work. I have two published books to my name, “From Great Broughton to Great Britain: Peter Gorley, rugby league forward” (the authorised biography of this all time great Cumbrian rugby player), published in 2004, and “Bowing Out”, my first novel published in 2009. I have also had many articles published in “Lancashire Today” magazine.

I am married to Josephine and live in Horwich, Lancashire. In my spare time I enjoy watching sport (rugby league, cricket and football), walking, playing in the Bolton Quiz League and, of course, writing.

Find out about my work by visiting my website – www.petercropper.co.uk.

DEA PARKIN - VICE CHAIR

Born in Yorkshire, Dea began writing at a precociously young age. She finished her first novel, which still languishes in a drawer, aged 14. The second one is almost completed, with a 30 year break in between - though there were many false starts. She has also written short stories, poems and one-act plays - several scripts have been performed on amateur stage.

Dea also finds an outlet for her writing passion in her day job as a copywriter and PR consultant. Self-employed and trading as The Competitive Edge, she has written all kinds of communications for companies in many different industries since starting out in 1991. She also writes commissioned articles for magazines.

Dea lives in Chorley and when she isn't writing is usually to be found on the tennis court - or following the international tour at home on TV. She is a voracious reader with a penchant for crime and for contemporary literature with a mystical edge. She is engaged in a continual struggle to find space for bookshelves and time for her partner and cat.

HAYLEY NOBLE - TREASURER & SECRETARY

Hayley is new-ish to creative writing, accountant by day. Has recently finished a children's novel but still summoning up the courage to submit to anyone. Excels at procrastination and poems about death.

HEATHER CAREY - WEB SITE EDITOR

Heather Carey picked up a biro at 15 and started writing comedy scripts for her school’s radio station. Thinking this was a good way to make a living she dipped her toe in the murky waters of journalism but after a few years of starving decided to put food in the cupboard by working for an American IT corporation. Senses regained, and reunited with her pen, she’s currently working on a novel.