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Arlene Kelly - Allie Kelly

Born and raised in a small prairie town, by the time I graduated high school I decided I’d had enough of Manitoba winters and headed west to the University of Victoria. There I studied English and Creative Writing, submitting book and movie reviews to the student paper and doing a stint on the campus radio. I promptly rediscovered snow on a placement at a radio station in northern British Columbia, so when I finished my degree I decided a change of scene (and climate) was needed.

London seemed like a good place to start to broaden my horizons, so I came over on a student work programme, met my husband-to-be, and never made it back to Canada. After spending seven years toiling for the government, maternity leave gave me the perfect excuse to stop commuting and set up my own freelance writing and proofreading business. My main client is a web-based travel company, and I have spent many happy hours researching dozens of places, from big cities to hidden gems off the beaten track. I’ve visited Spain, Greece, Portugal, Orlando and Sydney, where I would quite happily live if only I could afford the flight back to Australia!

I also enjoy experimenting with new recipes from the countries I visit and have so far successfully avoided poisoning my husband, daughter and dog.