About me
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Hey there! I'm Leigh, a proud South African hailing from the sunny
shores of Durban and part of the exclusive club of identical twins.
I hit the jackpot with a built-in bestie from day one!
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My childhood was marked by constant moving house and a
rotating cast of furry friends (dogs, bunnies, and even a hamster
that I happened to find floating in our swimming pool).
Even though my parents weren't exactly bookworms, my siblings and I were avid readers and English boffs.
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From my early teenage years, I dreamed of becoming a writer. I excelled in English, and I loved the challenge of crafting essays and composing poems. My academic journey began with a course in early childhood development, leading me to work in several kindergartens. While I adored teaching young children, a deep-seated desire to explore the vast wonders of the world tugged at my heartstrings.
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At twenty-one, I set off for America, ready to embark on a new adventure as an au pair. Weekends in the Big Apple were an absolute highlight. New York, with its bustling coffee shops and abundant bookstores, felt like the epicenter of the literary universe: writers hunched over their laptops in Starbucks or tucked away in eclectic cafes. As I sipped my coffee and soaked in the creative energy around me, I couldn't help but imagine myself among them, lost in a whirlwind of words and ideas.
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​​I studied creative writing at university, and yet, I found myself unsure of how to turn
my passion into a career, so I joined the workforce, prioritizing bills over dreams.
Don't get me wrong, I've had fulfilling experiences along the way, but the longing
to pursue my true passion has never left me.
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​At thirty, I decided to embark on a new adventure with my trusty sidekick – my twin sister. Together, we jetted off to South Korea to teach English at an immersive English camp. Talk about a culture shock! Fun fact: my sister taught a student who went by the name Jurassic Park - (yes, you read that right!) Park is a common Korean last name. A summer teaching stint was followed by a challenging year teaching English in Korea. Upon my return to South Africa, I found myself longing for the excitement of teaching and exploring new horizons.
So, when the opportunity arose to relocate to Hong Kong with my bestie from Korea,
I jumped at the chance. Teaching English in a very performance-driven education
system was grueling but during this period, I discovered the magical world of
children’s books. I was the English manager at a Chinese mainstream school with
an ‘international’ department. I taught English to kindergarten children.
There's something special about watching young minds light up as they are
swept away in their imaginations.
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​​I met my husband online, but it wasn't by chance.
My clever twin sister, married to a German man herself, orchestrated the setup.
She intentionally crafted an online profile to connect me with a European beau
to make our visits more convenient.
Little did I know, scrolling through profiles would lead me to my charming Dutch prince.
His good looks immediately caught my eye.
Fast forward two years, and I found myself happily married and settled in the Netherlands. ​​​
Turns out, my husband has caught the wanderlust travel bug too.
Travel has become our go-to for unwinding, bonding, and making unforgettable memories.
Plus, it's a boundless source of inspiration for my storytelling adventures.
My two young children already have a few international trips under their belts!
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I love hanging out in coffee shops, lazy days at the beach, a good gym session and
reading to my kids. One point of contention in my marriage is my need to purchase
children’s storybooks. With the local library in the street behind us, he doesn’t
always understand my needs for MORE books. In my defense though,
I live in a Dutch village and so, English storybooks are hard to come by and even
though my Dutch has come a long way, I want my kids to foster the same love for
the English language as I do.
As I began immersing myself in bedtime stories with my two young ones, Sienna and Mitchell, I felt compelled to pursue my dream of becoming an author. They're my inspiration and my driving force.
With each new project, I ask myself, 'Would Sienna and Mitchell find this captivating?' That's my compass! I attempt to craft narratives with relatable characters, journeys of self-discovery, and a dash of humour to keep my readers smiling.
Now, as a proud parent, I draw inspiration from the world around me,
weaving tales of wonder and imagination that captivate young hearts.
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As a mom and former kindergarten teacher, I have witnessed firsthand the powerful impact children’s stories can have on young minds. As an aspiring author, I aim to write books that inspire a love of reading in children through captivating stories that cultivate essential life skills through engaging stories and relatable characters. I hope to ignite the imagination, encourage inclusion, foster empathy, and teach resilience and the value of learning from mistakes. Through my stories, I hope to remind children and adults that love and acceptance don’t require perfection.
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So buckle up and join me on this magical journey – because with every turn of the page,
there's a new adventure waiting to unfold!
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