Josie, born in the early 1950s in rural Essex, was raised in the resilient yet modest environment of post-war social housing. From an early age, she displayed an exceptional aptitude for academics, though she often felt like an outsider. Her love for literature became her sanctuary, where she challenged herself with the classics, including reading “War and Peace” not once, but twice, to fully grasp its complexities. Choosing a pen name inspired by her affection for dogs, Josie brings a keen observational eye and deep emotional insight to her writing. Her debut book is a poignant tribute to her mother, who lived to the remarkable age of 100. Now, Josie is channelling her life experiences—the recent past being marked by personal battles with breast cancer, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, and chronic neuropathy—into her forthcoming works, the first of which is tentatively titled ‘Futility’. This new story explores the endless quest for fulfilment through the eyes of a lonely young girl. Josie writes with a profound awareness that each day is precious, and she is committed to sharing her stories with readers who appreciate both the light and dark sides of life. Her work is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and she aims to continue captivating her audience with stories that resonate on a deeply human level.