Hi there, wandering reader.

I’m MJ, a South African author, entrepreneur, and part-time bushveld cryptid. I live with my partner, our daughter, five dogs, two cats, and a bird (whom I rescued from beforementioned cats. No worries, they’re cool now. I shamed them into suppressing their predatory instincts).

I have a degree in psychology and sociology, which, halfway through, I decided to never use in any traditional sense. Instead, I flipped off the Man and became the Man—running two businesses with my partner. When I’m not doing that, you’ll catch me roaming South Africa, especially the forests of Knysna or the waterfalls around Sabie.

I collect crystals, burn far too much incense, and can often be found having serious conversations with the moon or my favourite tree. (It’s fine. The neighbours learned not to ask questions.) Nature makes sense; people… eh.

I write for fun, for escape, and to turn my maladaptive daydreaming into something other readers might potentially, maybe, possibly (if you squint), enjoy. If my stories make you feel anything at all—joy, wonder, anxiety—I’ll consider myself a successful author. I might also dabble in the dark arts of poetry with wild enthusiasm but mediocre skill.

Just a warning to those who talk dirty... I mean, hate on my writing: I've used my psychological knowledge and training to master the skills of narcissism, paired with the carefully curated gifts from childhood trauma, and I kinda find your disapproval Actually Romantic. I know you don't mean it that way, but it honestly feels like you're flirting with me (Swift et al. 2025, s.7).

Furthermore, if you buy a book from me, know that all profits are being hoarded so I can one day buy a plot of land deep in some forest. The exact location still undecided until further notice; the vibe is bog witch but with plumbing, and the dream is to live out the remainder of my days in my truest form: old hag who frightens the townspeople once every lunar cycle when she emerges to buy doughnuts.

So there. Welcome to my world. It's a little odd, a little magical, a little sexy, and always open for company.