Tonia Cope Bowley

Born in South Africa, of a Yorkshire father and South African mother, I grew up on an idyllic little farm above Van Reenen's pass. Always a dreamer I started scribbling stories for my mother as soon as I could write. Through the local Zulus my eyes were opened to the plight of the poor when I was very young.
My latest book, published in 2012, is a biography: 'From a Street Kid - Stephen Lungu's incredible life-journey' (PenPress). This is a must-read. Stephen Lungu, a rejected and abandoned child becomes a Street Kid and leader of a violent and feared gang. Today he is a respected and internationally renowned speaker and leader of African Enterprise that operates throughout Africa. How can this be?
The book, aimed primarily at teens, especially the neglected, rejected, lonely and those caught up in drugs, is being read by all ages.

Other writings: www.toniacopebowley.co.uk
In 1981, at Oxford University, my book: 'Computing using Basic; An Interactive approach', (Ellis Horwood), based on my lectures, became Horwood's best selling technical book. Numerous stories for my children followed, as yet unpublished. 'Quiet Kumalo' won first prize in a short story competition in South Africa (2007). Currently it is being illustrated as a children's book.
In 2001, due to chronic Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), my Oxford career of 28 years ended abruptly. Free from the constraints of institutional employment, I have been fulfilling my dream of creative writing. Aware of the growing problem of RSI in our technological world I published a self help book:
'RSI - How to avoid it - and what to do if you've got it' (2006 - Spire).

I live in rural Oxfordshire, UK, with my husband, Stephen. We have two adult sons. In 1988, we, Stephen and Tonia, founded The Thembisa Trust with the aim of giving a chance in life to some of the poorest in South Africa. See www.thembisatrust.org

Born in South Africa, of a Yorkshire father and South African mother, I grew up on an idyllic little farm above Van Reenen's pass. Always a dreamer I started scribbling stories for my mother as soon as I could write. Through the local Zulus my eyes were opened to the plight of the poor when I was very young.
My latest book, pub