 Her first novel was the Carnegie Medal-nominated "The Master of Secrets" published in 1999.Before turning to writing professionally Ruth had a variety of jobs including teaching children with severe learning challenges – both in the UK and Singapore - where she was actively involved with the South East Asian Special Olympics.Other jobs have included instructing aerobics, acting in a Chinese soap opera and playing the part of Jill Goose in the pantomime Mother Goose.