A good origin story typically involves an exotic location, a mysterious figure and an impressionable character. Sometimes there are detours to the accepted path involving loss, love and misfortune, but those detours are more indicative of superheroes. As much as I wish, I neither have magical powers nor extraordinary abilities. So, let’s stick to the tried and tested. It was twelve years ago I found myself, shortly after two moped crashes and a multitude of lacerations, in the Sahara Desert.

Before me was a sun-kissed man as frail as the sand he sat upon. He proceeded to explain the importance of stories. Every story is an expression of who you are, your values and beliefs, the meaning behind your eyes and the truth of your heart. And how alongside our beating hearts rests a story waiting to come forth. That was all it took. Well, that, twelve years of labour, a legion of inspiration and the little girl I’m waiting to greet into this world.