Peter Johnson

Peter Johnson was born in Brixton, went to Bec Grammar School in Tooting and read geography at Oxford University where he won blues for rugby and judo. After serving five years in the Parachute Brigade he had a successful career in teaching. His final post was as Head of Millfield School in Somerset. He lives with his wife in Stoke Gabriel by the River Dart in Devon. He started writing in retirement. An Arvon course at Totleigh Barton fired his enthusiasm and encouraged him to attempt a novel. He has now completed two. It's Cold at the End of the Bed was the first to be published.

Author's Note regarding It's Cold at the End of the Bed

I loved playing rugby but would I have wanted it to be my job? A question I asked myself at Millfield where I saw the dedication of outstanding athletes whose dream was to play professional sport. Sam's cautionary tale reminds us that a rugby career presents serious mental and physical challenges. It's a tough way to make a living even for the supremely talented.

Note regarding my second novel 'Plot One'

After being a Headmaster and at the top of the professional tree with a huge amount of responsibility, how will the main character, John Stevens, cope with no longer being the "bee's knees"? Has he spent too much time with other people's children and neglected his own? How strong is his marriage?

Retirement, feared by some and embraced by others, is full of potential difficulties, especially for those who have loved work, tasted success and find it difficult to let go. Making this lifestyle change is challenging whatever job you have done and fertile territory for a novel.