Claire Timmons is a retired classical guitar teacher and Early childhood Music Teacher, trained in the Suzuki method. In former lives Claire has done lots of questionable things. She worked in the operational research department of the UK subsidiary of the biggest company in the world (exploiting natural resources), then was paid to gamble (let’s call it arbitrage) in the Australian financial futures markets, before becoming a head-hunter, poaching in the city of London and also Paris and Madrid. It was in this role, interviewing and “profiling” candidates, that she practiced writing. All these things she did in the sincere and ignorant belief that she was doing no harm.

Claire grew up in England more convinced that she was Australian than most Australians. This was because her parents were fifth generation Australians transported to the north of England. English language was her worst subject at school despite being able to speak English with flair and despite her mother being an English teacher. Her favourite activity was playing. And laughing. Playing with friends, playing sport, playing guitar, playing chess, playing outside, painting and drawing, singing, playing at school, playing on the way home from school.

She prides herself on being scientific and rational (which she is not). She definitely doesn’t like gobble-de-gook. It’s her pet hate. As well as common sense she is very fond of nonsense. Very fond of Michael Leunig and Dr Seuss.

Claire was brought up in a Methodist church-going family and though no longer a church goer -and denying that she is a believer – she loves Jesus and loves children’s’ hymns like “Jesus bids us shine with a pure clear light.” and “Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam.” These days she suffers regularly from burn out.

Claire has been living in Margaret River for 19 years – with her husband Bryan – who she declares is her most “wonderful thing”. They have 5 children and 10 grandchildren between them.

Joining a University of the 3rd Age writing class with Margo Edwards several years ago she found herself writing bouncy poetry. She puts this down to running music classes for babies and toddlers for 15 years and repeatedly singing nursery rhymes that have played havoc with her literary capabilities. These days writing, bird photography and making music are her favorite pastimes.