CJ was born on August 31st 1984. She lives in Cape Town with her husband and their two sons. "I have Bipolar Disorder and ADHD, so growing up was quite challenging at times, although I was only diagnosed when I was sixteen. I have always loved words - singing, reading, writing - so that’s where I found solace. Writing was the perfect outlet for my depression and anger, and I found I was quite good at it. "I have written many poems and some short stories, and even began writing an autobiography - but I had never attempted to write a fiction novel, as it seemed such a daunting task - the process too long to satisfy my need for instant gratification. Besides, what if no-one liked it? "That changed when I discovered a three page, unfinished story I had started writing years ago. I read it and re-read it, and all I could think was 'Wow! This is really good. I have to finish this.'"