About
Meet the author
Ben lives and writes in ÅŒtautahi/Christchurch, Aotearoa/New Zealand.
When many people meet Ben, they see a young man with multiple intellectual, developmental, psychiatric and physical disabilities. However, despite being unable to read or write, Ben is a passionate lover of stories and of story-telling. His stories are always very moving and based on a strong sense of justice and fairness via inevitably action-packed fantasies.
Many of his stories include themes of ecological havoc, natural wonders, powerful machines and communities working together for change. Often he focuses on the sheer magic of bravery and hope from the smallest and weakest – even in the face of unbending power.
Ben loves animals (and is a self-confessed cat whisperer) and enjoys all things tech. He is also a big fan of anything Harry Potter related. Ben is an active member of the Durham Street Methodist Church. Sometimes Ben’s stories replace the sermon and he sells a printed version for a gold coin and donates all the proceeds from sales to the church’s work in the Aldersgate Centre and the wider community. You can also make a donation on the contact page.
Ben dictates his stories to his Dad who transcribes them. The illustration process then follows.
When he is not writing or drawing Ben can be found playing Pokemon, mini-golf or going for a swim. He also loves a good chat.