by 
Derek Birks
Bio
Derek was born in Hampshire in England but spent his teenage years in Auckland, New Zealand, where he still has strong family ties.
On his return to England, he read history at Reading University and for many years he taught history in a secondary school. Whilst he enjoyed his teaching career and it paid the bills, he found a creative outlet in theatrical activities, stage-managing many plays and outdoor Shakespeare performances.
Derek always wanted to write and began, aged 17, writing stories, songs and poetry – in fact virtually anything. Inevitably, work and family life took precedence for a long period of time but in 2010 Derek took early retirement to concentrate on his writing. He is interested in a wide range of historical themes but his particular favourite is the late medieval period. He aims to write action-packed fiction which is rooted in accurate history.
He has so far completed one 4-book series set during the Wars of the Roses and has now embarked on a further series.
Apart from his writing, he enjoys travelling – sometimes, but not always, to carry out research for his books – and also spends his time gardening, walking and taking part in archaeological digs.
(Derek Birks, March 2017)
Books
Rebels & Brothers Series
Book 1 – Feud
Book 2 – A Traitor’s Fate
The Craft of Kings
Book 1 – Scars from the Past
Book 2 – Blood of Princes
Links