Raised in Essex, Tom King read English at Oxford, where his career in print got off to an exhilarating start as gossip editor of the student magazine Isis. His professional (i.e. paid) journalism has included roles as editor, sub-editor, crime reporter, travel writer, business editor, gossip columnist, leader writer, political correspondent and film and theatre reviewer, all culminating in 17 years as chief features writer for the Newsquest Essex group of newspapers. Now retired from full-time journalism, he lives in the Essex countryside with his wife, fellow-journalist Sally. Apart from long distance walking (a passion that emerged aged 1-and-a-bit, before he could actually walk) and writing, Tom¡¯s enthusiasms embrace tree planting, raising basset hounds, and outdoor theatre going, though not all three simultaneously.