Despite the cats (and more recently a dog) sitting on her keyboard, Melanie Casey is determined to write. She studied English literature, classical studies and law, and has forged a career as a senior leader in a busy Commonwealth Government Department. In 2005 a chance encounter with a high school English teacher made her realise she'd neglected her creativity. Inspired (and slightly chastened), Melanie honed her skills at The Professional Writing School at Adelaide's College of the Arts. She now teaches there. Born in South Australia, Melanie juggles her day job, a demanding writing and teaching schedule and a family.