Patrick John Flynn was born with a blue face and an umbilical cord wrapped around his neck at the Mater Hospital in Brisbane, 1968. The doctors said that the lack of oxygen to the brain meant he'd probably be as co-ordinated as a baby and they were right - but only for a few months.

He took up tennis and at 10 won his first State Title. By 17 he had won12 more along with the Australian Junior Championships in 1986. He lived in Canberra at the Australian Institute of Sport for 3 years (1984-86), and then at the University of Texas at Austin in USA (1987-91).

For the next 6 years he travelled the world as a professional tennis player and coach, winning the QLD Hardcourt title and numerous small tournaments. Although he played the qualifying for Wimbledon, French and Australian Opens-his big breakthrough remained elusive, and he decided to dedicate the rest of his life to understanding the human psyche.

He became a writer instead. Alex Jackson: Grommet was his first attempt,and he liked it so much he's written two sequels, a prequel and more.

Pat also speaks and conducts workshops at festivals and schools. He enjoys surfing, skating and playing the occasional game of tennis.

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