Meet The Author - C. L. Smith
I have always believed that life is one big adventure. Whether I'm taking to the stage as a completely different character, or painting the set in the theatre.
Here, on the left, we have The Special Effect Man from 'The Diamond Necklace' and 'Ingredient X'.
And on the right, just one of the sets I designed and painted at Ifield Barn Theatre, in Crawley, where I've lived for most of my life.
And yes, that's me as the Bad Fairy in Sleeping Beauty 2023
Forever practical and imaginative, building something from a pile of wood without a plan, is not a problem for me.
This incredible rabbit house was made on the kitchen table before being taken outside and assembled.
It stands 2m tall on it's stilts, fully insulated and as for the rabbit, Amber, she's the happiest bunny in Crawley
A lifelong lover of nature, woodland walks and peaceful landscapes, I also enjoys painting, experimenting with different techniques and discovering new ways to express my imagination.
During lockdown I explored fluid art and resin art, proving that it's never too late to learn something new.
For many years I've carried the idea of writing a series of stories, but life had other plans.
Then Barney came along. After adopting the mischievous little dog, his determination to conquer the my rock garden inspired Barney Climbs a Mountain. What began as a simple idea soon became my very first illustrated children's book.
That first story unlocked something special. Ideas that had been quietly waiting for years suddenly burst into life, and today Barney, Hunter, Friday and many more characters are eagerly waiting in my imagination for their own adventures to be told.
For me, now 68, every new story is another opportunity to share the joy, wonder and magic that can be found in the world around us.
How Did I Become Linden Kristie?
Many years ago, a psychic medium told me that one day I'd become well known, but not as Christine – as Linden.
Whether that prediction will ever come true, I have no idea, but the thought stayed with me.
When I began sharing my artwork, I chose the name Linden Kristie. "Linden" is my second Christian name, "Kristie" grew naturally from my own first name, Christine, and together the two names became my artistic identity.
Today, my writing appears under C. L. Smith, while my illustrations and artwork are created as Linden Kristie.
Looking back, it's rather wonderful to think that the two creative paths have now come together in my children's books.