Languages were always my forte at school - alive AND dead. English, French, Spanish, Latin and Ancient Greek. Annual five-week camping holidays in France as a child (some in Spain) improved and embedded my spoken language skills. These studies were then carried on to university. BA in French with Latin, and MAs in Journalism and Translation.

Work experience involving flexing of the mother tongue includes time spent writing for a regional newspaper and teacher of English as a foreign language.

I've also spent time in the hospitality industry, trained as a tiler (which I still use), and travelled around Argentina, which actually led me to translation as a profession.

I'm a firm believer in the power of regular mental and physical exercise - I know what's it done for me - and meditate, cycle and swim often. I also had a very musical upbringing, and now sing in a chamber choir.

I'm a creative translator whose enjoyment of translation comes primarily from the mulling over and use of my mother tongue to the best, and most appropriate (dependent on circumstances), of my ability. Specialities which require/allow a degree of flexibility in the translation process are therefore where I most like to ply my trade. These include - but are not exclusive to - journalism, literary pursuits, and the marketing/advertising sector.