Jay McKenzie grew up in the North East surrounded by storytellers and Catherine Cookson novels. She has worked as a holiday rep, a performing arts teacher, a life model and a street theatre performer in Greece, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea and Australia, as well as being a key cast member in Byker Grove for four years. Jay also writes short fiction and has received publication and recognition in a number of literary magazines. She has a penchant for knitwear and lives with her husband, daughter and too many cardigans.