Laura Powell, who may or may not be a direct descendant of King Arthur, was born in London, but grew up in the Brecon Beacons in the shadow of Carreg Cennen Castle in Wales.

Much of her childhood was either spent with her nose firmly in a book, or plotting to escape her boarding school, which she hated.

Having studied Classics at university, she now spends her time working for the English National Ballet and writing. She lives in Camberwell with her husband and young son.