J.J. Ward a.k.a James Ward J.J. Ward writes espionage thrillers, romantic fiction, philosophy and poetry. He believes that commercial genres have warped people’s thinking about fiction generally. “I think they exist so readers can be easily manipulated and milked, and they also - in some of their forms - perpetuate sexism. Any good story has elements of most, if not all, genres.” He hopes men & women will read, and enjoy, what he has written in equal numbers. He lives in southern England with his wife of 30 years. He has two grown-up sons, and a dog. He is a school teacher by profession. Current heroes: Malala Yousafzai, Edward Snowden, Aung San Suu Kyi, Beatrice Mtetwa. Favourite quote: "Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you'll be a mile away and you'll have their shoes." He can be followed on Twitter @GoodLordItsWard.