Richard Zahra

Richard Zahra was born on May 17th, 1973 at Pieta' (Malta). He received his primary schooling at De La Salle College, and his secondary education at Mikiel Anton Vassalli Junior Lyceum. Richard studied at G.F. Abela (sixth form) for his Chemistry, Biology and Physics A-levels. At the time, an extra subject, Systems of Knowledge, which was a blend of history, art appreciation and literature, had been introduced. Richard, unlike most of his mates, thoroughly enjoyed this extra theme as he fostered a deep passion for the English language and history.  

Richard read for a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Malta for which he graduated in 1994. A year later he read for a Post Graduate Certificate in Education and from then on has worked as a teacher of Chemistry (now in his 13th year) at Carlo Diacono Girls' Junior Lyceum, Zejtun, Malta. In 2005, he graduated in a  Post Graduate Diploma in Education (Administration and Management). 

 Apart from his interest in science, Richard has many other passions. His deep interest in history led him to start collecting and painting miniature soldiers, a hobby that he practised for over 20 years. He enjoys delving in the past through research. Richard has used his vast collection of miniatures to practise tabletop wargaming, which involves simulating battlefield tactics and campaign strategies. His main periods of interest include the Roman era, the Dark Ages, the Middle Ages, the Napoleonic Wars and World War II. 

 A few years ago Richard decided to take his passion for writing, which he had cultivated since he was a child, more seriously. He gleaned the rules and tricks of the craft by reading what many established authors had to say about writing, and is currently following a creative writing course with the Writers Bureau, Manchester.  His writing interests include travel writing, history and historical fiction, food, culture, health and education. Numerous  features of his were published in various magazines and newspapers (see Recently Published section), in Malta and abroad.

Apart from reading, his other great source of inspiration is travelling. Richard has travelled mostly to Europe as he feels inspired by the history and culture of the Old World.

Richard is married to Daphne, a Pharmacist, Nutritionist and Science teacher and they have a two-year-old son, Nigel Arthur.