Syllable, Sybs, Marthatjie, Mart, Martjie, Meisie – I respond to all of these names, but they are not who I am. Or what I am for that matter.

I guess the best way to describe myself – and my writing – is that I am a dreamer. I was raised on fantastic stories about witches (not the Harry Potter kind, these were hard core witches – think warts and cauldrons, etc.) and gnomes and the odd fairy; stories about “real life” situations, although they were slightly unrealistic, in which my brother, my cousins and I were the heroes.
My grandfather, who told us these stories, led me to believe that anything is possible in your mind, and that there is no greater thing than the imagination. Dreaming up stories is a great way for me to relax – escape the moment and its problems, thinking up fantastic situations of knights in armor (or with gold credit cards) whisking me away from the evil threatening my happiness.

I was born in 1978 and had the happiest of childhoods I could imagine. Anyone who didn’t have my grandfather as theirs lead a sad and lacking life. I have an older brother who has creativity coursing through his veins too, and when we get together great fun ensues. After matriculating I studied Biomedical Technology, but quit after 18 months. Unsure of what I want to do with my life (which still happens often), I studied and completed a National Diploma in International Communication. During my third year I worked as Editor of the student newspaper, and that’s when I knew I wanted to write for a living. As it turns out, I also quite enjoy editing other people’s work.

My creativity is not limited to writing, although it is my favourite medium – one that can be done any time, any place. I enjoy doing cross stitch and origami, and can play the piano. Because I like diversity and a good challenge, I’m hoping to pursue a career in broadcast media in the foreseeable future. I’d also love to do a copywriting course to expand my portfolio.

All in good time, I guess, but I am notoriously impatient.