Biography

About Jan

Writer

Jan Madden is an acclaimed author whose work blends memory, history, and heartfelt storytelling. Born and raised in Cheshire, she spent many years in Holyhead, North Wales, teaching at the County High School, raising her family, and becoming a well-loved part of the community. Her writing draws deeply from these roots, with settings and characters inspired by the landscapes and people she has known.

Jan trained as a secondary teacher and spent many years teaching English literature, creative writing, and drama across England. In 1987, she migrated to South Australia, where she continued her passion as an educator, particularly supporting newcomers through English as a Second Language programs.

With an impressive teaching career spanning over 50 years, Jan moved into writing creating heartfelt stories that resonate across generations. Over the past 20 years, she has published a remarkable range of books, including memoirs, biographies, and emotionally rich narratives.

Her notable works include 'The Price', a deeply personal biography, born from 17 years of research into the life and tragic murder of her aunt in New Zealand. Other titles, 'Grandad's Letters', 'The Red Carpet', 'Paper Cranes', 'Enter' and 'The Flower Collection' explore themes of connection, memory, nature, and the resilience of the human spirit.