About JJ Barnes | JJ Barnes

March 17, 2026
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Hi, I’m JJ Barnes — author, filmmaker, screenwriter, creative entrepreneur, artist, blogger, and (most importantly) a proud, perpetually exhausted mum navigating life one chaotic, coffee-fueled day at a time.

I’ve spent years turning my endless imagination into tangible things: novels that whisk readers into magical worlds, films that bring stories to life on screen, hand-drawn art that finds new homes on t-shirts and mugs, and a blog bursting with everything from natural beauty tips and tired-mum survival guides to parenting rants, feminist thoughts, and the occasional “how did I end up here” existential musing.

JJ Barnes

A Bit More About Me

Writing has always been my first love and my best way of communicating with the world. I’m the author of the Lilly Prospero fantasy series (Lilly Prospero And The Magic Rabbit, Lilly Prospero and the Mermaid’s Curse), What Ivy Wants, Gracemarch, and more. My words have appeared in various publications over the years, and I still get a thrill every time someone tells me one of my stories stayed with them.

Film & TV — Together with my partner Jonathan McKinney, we co-founded Siren Stories, an independent entertainment company dedicated to unique, captivating stories across books, film, TV, and beyond. We co-wrote, co-directed, and I acted in our first feature film, Hollowhood (2021), and we’re always dreaming up the next project in the Siren Stories Universe.

Art keeps me sane. I create hand-drawn zentangle patterns (available as printable PDFs for colouring therapy) and digital designs that end up on Redbubble products — everything from hoodies to phone cases. Creativity isn’t just what I do; it’s how I recharge.

The Blog here at jjbarnes.co.uk is my space to talk about the rest of life: family chaos, glowing skin on zero sleep, vegan hair growth serums, herbal sleep aids, DIY gifts, budget family hacks, spring makeup vibes, thoughtful home changes for better rest, and whatever random topic has me excited or frustrated that week. It’s relatable, practical, and occasionally a little unfiltered — just like real life.

Other adventures include editing The Table Read magazine, running the Siren Stories YouTube channel (full of writing advice and creator spotlights), and trying (and often failing) to keep on top of social media without losing my mind.

I’m based in the UK, juggling creativity with raising little humans, and somehow still finding time to obsess over a good book, a strong coffee, or the perfect blue-light blocker for 2 a.m. scrolling.

Whether you’re here for the stories, the art, the parenting survival tips, or just to see what weird thing I’m ranting about this week — I’m genuinely glad you’ve stopped by.

Feel free to explore the site, grab a book, colour in some art, watch Hollowhood, or drop me a line. I love hearing from people who connect with what I create.