Neil has always been creative, whether through flash animations, short stories, oil paints, or miniature painting. Stories have always been close to his heart, particularly the power they have to change someone’s emotional state in the blink of an eye. The seed to become a storyteller was planted in childhood, even if he didn't know it at the time.
After studying Computer Science with Games Development at university, Neil landed a programming job at Gusto Games… for a few days. Sitting at that desk, a twisting in his gut told him it wasn’t right. The creative itch was being scratched, but it was the wrong path. It was a book—Creating Emotion in Games: The Craft and Art of Emotioneering—that ultimately altered his course. He knew it was the story that mattered, not the gameplay. But first, the bills needed to be paid.
Putting his computer skills to use, he became an outstanding Computer Science and IT teacher in secondary schools. Although content, stories always bubbled under the surface, slowly bleeding out and begging to be told. By day, he taught. By night, he wrote and attended classes. It was then he discovered Brandon Sanderson’s online lectures. The spark to ignite his creativity had been found. Four practice novels followed—stories never to see the light of day—and then the right idea came. Codan, a character who had lingered in his mind for over twenty years would get a story with a new magic system. It was time.
Having completed what is now known as Gates of Disorder, Neil was ready to approach the publishing industry. What he didn’t expect was for a child to come along, bringing a wonderful disruption. Neil became a stay-at-home dad, writing and editing whenever he could steal a few minutes. Now, a year later, he is ready to release his work into the world.
Aside from writing, Neil is devoted to his wife and son. Together, they take long walks in the woods, ride bikes, paddleboard, and play video games.
