Julie McGowan was born in Blaenavon, South Wales. She left in her teens, and lived in various parts of the UK before returning, with her family, to South Wales and the rural town of Usk. Julie has been writing for over two decades; Don’t Pass Me By is her third novel and she also writes short stories, features, pantomimes, sketches and children’s plays. Her work features in regional magazines and newspapers, as well as in national magazines and newspapers such as The Lady, Woman’s Weekly and The Times Educational Supplement. When not writing Julie runs a local pantomime and a drama company for young people. She also runs a theatre company which tours secondary schools in Wales with productions that she also performs in, covering health and social issues. Julie’s first novel The Mountains Between became a regional bestseller and her second won first place in a literary competition chaired by novelist Katie Fforde. Julie is currently working on her fourth novel.