Penny Parkes lives in the Cotswolds with two children, two dogs, an ever-tolerant husband and a growing portfolio of invisible and dynamic disabilities.

She is dedicated to her role as advocate and volunteer in supporting newly diagnosed patients (and their families) with Mast Cell disorders. She is also a passionate panellist and champion for inclusivity in publishing.

How To Talk So Your Doctor Will Listen is Penny's seventh book, but the one she has been waiting a lifetime to write: now - more than ever - when its ideas, themes and advice are needed the most.

As an author, she has topped the Audible and Kindle charts many times, appeared at literary festivals around the country and has written for The Telegraph, as well as extensively in her local media.

You can find her on X and Instagram as @CotswoldPenny