[2] Mann grew up in a working class family in Walsall.

[3] Mann started her career as an actress before turning her hand to writing.

She later adapted the novel into a play, directed by Tessa Walker and produced by Pilot Theatre.

[1] The play was nominated for two Off West End Theatre Awards in 2025, for best production and Creation for Mann.

The first, Small's Big Dream, illustrated by Amanda Quartey, was published in 2022, and the second, Whirly Twirly Me, also illustrated by Amanda Quartey, was published in summer 2023.