Louise Charles writes fiction, in the short and long form. She has had short stories published in Peoples Friend, My Weekly, Anthologies and several online ezines and fiction sites. She is now dedicating her pen, ink and paper to her novels, four of which are in varying states of completion. Louise published her debut novel, 'The Duke's Shadow' on 1st March 2014 which has since been shortlisted for the Writers' Village International Novel Award, summer 2014'. Louise lives in rural Le Marche in Italy where she shares her writing space with two large Italian sheepdogs - Freya and Bertie , two adopted cats - Daisy and Tigsy, three kittens - Simba, Naala and Cappucino and the occasional visit from one of the hens. Her husband, known lovingly as 'L'uomo Chi Fa' ( The Man Who Does) is the source of constant inspiration, provider of food and the odd glass of vino or two.Louise also created the on-line writing group for ex-pat writers, Writers Abroad, where she finds support and advice on her writing from all over the world. The group has published an annual Anthology for the past four years and all profits have been donated to book charities.