Joseph R Mason.

---

Joseph R. Mason (the pen name of Richard J. Kirk BCS, ACS, DiPC, DiMAP) was born in the early 1950s in East Dereham, Norfolk, and has the birth certificate to prove it. His mother died when he was just four days old, and he was later adopted in London. Writing under his birth name is his way of honouring the family he came from. Although he often describes his adoption as rather loveless, though perceptions don’t always match reality, Joseph grew up with a strong sense of identity, resilience, and purpose. When he was adopted, he was renamed Richard J. Kirk… and yes, there’s another birth certificate for that as well.

Despite being written off by teachers and classmates as someone unlikely to amount to much, he went on to become a director of a blue‑chip engineering company by the age of 35. Now retired from that career, Joseph lives in Eastbourne, East Sussex, where he’s been part of a large Baptist church since 1980. He’s served faithfully in leadership for more than twenty years, supporting the church family and wider community.

His life has been wonderfully varied: he’s been a gliding instructor with RAF Kenley’s 615 Squadron and a social worker for Surrey County Council, it was there he met his wife, Julia. They married in 1977 and have three grown‑up children and five grandchildren.

Joseph’s writing covers fantasy, science fiction, theology, non‑fiction, and poetry. He’s the author of The Tales of Trymyll trilogy—Thomas, Wizard’s Son; Jonathan, Dragon Master; Glynda, Dragon Slayer, as well as The Misadventures of Mathew Mathews (Wizard, Occasionally Competent). His more serious works include The Acts of Paul & Thecla, now in its third revised edition, and a new book exploring Paul’s Fourth Missionary Journey. He’s currently embarking on an accessible, easy‑to‑read theology series covering the whole New Testament, from Matthew right through to Revelation, a project that will span around twenty books.

A self‑confessed “pantser,” Joseph writes fiction by instinct, while his non‑fiction is carefully researched. A keen reader, especially of the Bible, he often structures his stories in short chapters, perfect for bedtime reading.

He’s also continued his studies in counselling and psychology, and he challenges himself to write a poem every week. On his website, www.josephmasonauthor.com, he regularly shares reflections, poems, haiku, and the occasional thought on nutrition and diet.

These days, Joseph writes simply because he enjoys it—and because he hopes his words might bring a bit of joy to others. Readers can keep in touch through his newsletter, and if anyone fancies treating him to a coffee to support his creative work, he’s always grateful.

If you like what you read, treat me to a coffee. Thank you.

©Richard J. Kirk – 2026 – The author name of Joseph R Mason is the pseudonym of Richard J. Kirk, therefore all publishing rights, copyright and ownership of any manuscripts are the sole property of Richard J. Kirk.

As provided by The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.

Any characters in published fiction or poems are fictitious. Certain long-standing institutions, agencies, and public offices may be mentioned, but the characters involved are imaginary unless otherwise stated.

All rights reserved.