I was saddened to hear of Frank McCourt's death a few days ago. He was a hero of mine ever since first reading Angela's Ashes. Frank McCourt inspired a whole generation of writers and a new section in bookshops across the world. The misery memoir was born. I personally never felt that Angela's Ashes was miserable, but showed the indomitable spirit of the human soul. Frank captured his childhood and allowed us to share his early years and the grinding poverty that his family endured. This must have been a very difficult area for him to write about, and he waited until he was in his sixties before he returned to his earliest memories.

I had the honour of meeting him earlier this year when he came to the Emirates Airline International Festival of Literature as one of our founding authors. He was exactly as I imagined he would be; when I told him this, he replied 'Predictable am I?' and laughed.

As a reader, the fact that he matched my mind's eye view of him was wonderful and he lived up to my expectations. As his books are memoirs, this was very important to me as a reader. I have read and re read Angela's Ashes and each time I laugh and cry and share Frank's growing up years and every day happenings.

Frank was a born story teller (maybe something to do with his Irish genes!) And you could hear his voice and felt as if you were sat in the family sitting room, with a fire crackling in the grate and the lights down low; his voice soft and lilting taking you back to times gone by, and bringing the people to life.

I particularly loved the way he wrote about his father, whom he clearly adored, despite his human failings. Frank McCourt came to Dubai and wowed audiences at the first literary festival in the region. The venue was packed to the gunnels and laughter frequently interrupted the proceedings as he shared his stories with us all.

He also visited Dubai Women's College and spoke movingly to a large gathering of students and staff. The results of his visit have inspired more reading and writing and the realisation that your own life can be a rich source as a means to write your own story.

Frank was a gentle and modest man, who charmed all whom he met. He dedicated his working life to teaching and undoubtedly changed the lives of many of his students, allowing them to discover their potential.

Frank was an example to all would-be writers, that if you think you can write a book, just do it!

He won the Pulitzer prize and became a global best selling author with Angela's Ashes. It should have carried a warning on the cover 'If you start this book tonight, be prepared to stay up all night!'. My thoughts and prayers are with Frank's wife Elaine and all the family.

I will treasure my memories of meeting Frank in person, and can now hear his voice as I re-read my favorite book of his, 'Angela's Ashes' again.