Ann Smythe grew up in Bristol, where for many years she enjoyed working in the editorial world of publishing but secretly harboured a desire to write a novel. Finally, The Aviculturist has materialised and she is currently working on the sequel Penwyth Hotel.

She moved to beautiful North Somerset with her husband and son seventeen years ago. Her days are spent writing, walking her two elderly Jack Russells and pampering to their eccentric needs!