Maria J. Leel

Originally from the fenlands of Peterborough, Maria J. Leel now lives in the infinitely hillier Shropshire and has thigh muscles that are in a state of shock. She manages a large veggie garden with the assistance of her eternally patient husband, Malcolm, two murderous cats and a varying number of bolshie chickens. Maria takes excessive comfort in the fact that a great number of authors seem, like her, to have had a great number of jobs: She trained originally as an ecologist and teacher and, via an assortment of various roles, eventually made the logical career progression to First Aid Trainer for St John Ambulance and loves it. 

Maria spent a year travelling the world volunteering on various environmental projects. She looked after bilbies in Australia, bees in New Zealand and condors in California. She also lived for a while on a kibbutz in Israel and as a result she has an abiding interest in alternative lifestyles and communal living.

She is a member of the dark and mysterious world of Morris dancing, makes jewellery, plays guitar very badly and is a member of Pengwern Rowing Club’s Women’s Squad – the thigh muscles are now crying for mercy... 

Maria wrote her first play at the age of ten and browbeat the neighbourhood children into taking part. She has been writing dramatic pieces and short stories ever since. Song of the Sulh is her first novel.