BJ, (Barrie James) was born in the Midlands, but moved to London when he was barely a toddler. He was diagnosed with glaucoma at the age of 7, and endured a number of eye operations before losing sight in his left eye.
Schooled in West London and Worcester, BJ has always shown a great deal of ability in art, music, drama and sport.
After his time at boarding school, BJ took a degree in English, then a post graduate diploma. After teaching English, he had his first book published, and decided to take his writing more seriously.
With a passion for ancient history, anthropology, mythology and archaeology, BJ has written a number of books, plays and poems.
Totally blind since 2012, BJ now lives in the Midlands with his fourth guide dog, Ollie, and partner.
BJ is a collector of swords, enjoys films and books, participates in sport to a high level and trains daily.
The first piece of writing BJ got published was a poem when he was 8. The poem was published in a school newsletter: