Debbie Mansfield grew up in Hull, and was educated at Wolfreton School in Kirkella. She initially did a nursing course in York, before moving to Sheffield in 1992 when she transferred to the admin side of healthcare. Although her work is nearly full-time, writing became a hobby a few years ago when she had an idea for this first novel, Difficult Times. Debbie is married to Richard, a professional dry stone waller who works in the Peak District. Debbie has always enjoyed creative writing, but she also loves nothing more than to be outdoors walking her pet spaniel Jasmine.