Meet some of our group members

Michael Apple

Profile:

A member for about 4 years but participating infrequently since the lockdown. I’ve been writing for many years mostly about my technical area of expertise which was medicine, explaining various aspects of medicine for a lay public eg diagnoses, investigations, lifestyle. This used to be by way of newspaper articles, then books. Since retiring from medical practice some 10 years ago I have spent time trying to find an alternative writing outlet and style. Not very successfully, it must be said.

I enjoy reading about science and count as one of my big achievements to stretch my understanding of quantum mechanics from 30 seconds to 5 minutes. I take an interest in computers, a very amateur interest in astronomy and current events..

Main writing interests:

I attempt short stories with a humorous theme.

Published / Self Published:

7 or 8 books, including Penguin, Hamlyn, Bloomsbury. Many short articles in a variety of newspapers. Most active 1990’s to early 2000’s.

Current writing project:

No writing projects as such.

Do you have a special place in which to write?

I don't have any special place to write; but generally write in the mornings.

Do you have any special techniques for writing? Specialist equipment or writing aids?

I used to dictate into a Dictaphone, then transcribe. This was in order to get a conversational style despite writing about technical material. Of course nowadays it’s a laptop though I have a feeling that pen and ink make for more thoughtful and polished work.

Have you been involved with any other writing activities?

(e.g. workshops, organising writing events, attending external workshops, retreats?)

Not for some years.

Do you have a website; Facebook, Twitter; Instagram? or write a blog?

michaelapple1.wordpress.com

where I blog as Mike’s Musings.

o you have other interests? and/or member of other groups/societies?

Member of the Society of Authors and a number of other groups. I’m still involved in medical advisory work for the Ministry of Justice.

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

It’s hard. Just write, always remembering that the best is the enemy of the good.

Do you have favourite author or book?

' If cast away, I’d probably choose to take the works of Charles Dickens

Susan Bennett

Michael Apple

Profile:

I started writing short history pieces for RSA Journal when working as RSA Curator/Archivist. Discovery of two anonymous diaries led me to discover and then reconstruct the life of the author. I have been a member of Watford Writers for ten to twelve years. Like historical novels if properly researched, humour, thrillers.

Main writing interests:

Historian, Research.

Do you have a special place in which to write?

No.

Do you have a preferred time of day for writing?

No.

Published / Self Published:

A Thankless Child: The Life and Times of Georgiana Jane Henderson (1771 - 1850)

Articles published in academic journals together with MA thesis by German publisher;

Online resource on Royal Designers for Industry at 1935 Britain Can Make It exhibition produced for the University of Brighton website;

Guide to Moor Park Mansion .

Beckford Journal vol. 28 (2022)

Do you have any special techniques for writing? Specialist equipment or writing aids?

No.

Have you been involved with any other writing activities? (e.g. workshops, organising writing events, attending external workshops, retreats?)

None.

Do you have other interests? and/or member of other groups/societies?

William Shipley Group

Arthur Lasenby Liberty, the Society of Arts and Royal Designers for Industry for a WSG Occasional Paper.

Current writing project:

Quarterly Bulletin of William Shipley Group (WSG)

Eighteenth century female artists awarded by the Society of Arts

Do you have a website; Facebook, Twitter; Instagram? or write a blog?

No.

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

Put aside your writing and then, return and read it through with fresh eyes. Think about your reader. If you get stuck try a different approach/viewpoint. Writing rules can help but don’t get hung up on keeping to them. Useful to have a structure but just let your writing flow. Reading widely can help your own writing.

Do you have favourite author or book?

Enjoy reading novels, biographies and histories.

Brian Bold

Michael Apple

Brian Bold

Profile:

I am a retired IT Marketing Manager. I took up writing and golf in retirement. My writing has been more successful!

I have been a member of Watford Writers since 2008.

Main writing interests:

Writing travel and quirky short stories

Published / Self Published:

"First Coarse" - short story anthology (2006)

"Road Works" - car/travel memoir (2006)

"Living a Lie" - Watford Writers anthology, with Jackie Green (2008)

"Second Coarse" - short story anthology (2010)

"Four Wheeling" - selected stories

from Road Works (2010)

"Turning Corners" - new edition of Four Wheeling (2016)

"Quota" - dystopian novel written in collaboration with Jackie Green, a fellow Watford Writer (2017)

"Short but Tall Stories" - flash fiction anthology (2019)

All books are available on Lulu.com

and most on Amazon.

Current writing project:

Kay Hall

Brian Bold

Profile:

In my 20s & 30s I tried writing a few stories, but never got further than scribbled notes; I’ve had a long, long gap! I joined Watford Writers about 3 years ago, after a couple of creative writing courses at CityLit, London.

I’m inspired by the natural world, images and dreams.

Main writing interests:

Novels and flash fiction, and

the occasional poem.

Do you have a special place in which to write?

Anywhere, and everywhere! If I’ve just got up, sitting on the stool in the kitchen, my back against the radiator, with a nearby cup of tea!

Do you have a preferred time of day for writing?

Not particularly; I write when the ideas come!

Published / Self Published:

Not yet [although there’s a couple of my flash fiction stories in the

Watford Writers’ anthology]

o you have any special techniques for writing? Specialist equipment or writing aids?

I write mainly on my iPad, and occasionally longhand. I read out loud everything I write, but do find the ability to listen to what I’ve written on Microsoft Word useful.

Have you been involved with any other writing activities? (e.g. workshops, organising writing events, attending external workshops, retreats?)

CityLit in-person and online courses.

Do you have other interests? and/or member of other groups/societies?

I enjoy designing and making handmade cards and other craft projects, knitting, crochet, and embroidery.

Current writing project:

I’m working on 2 novels at the moment, side by side. I’m around halfway through my first draft of a YA magic/fantasy novel, and a few chapters into another novel, with just a touch of fantasy.

Do you have a website; Facebook, Twitter; Instagram? or write a blog?

Not specifically for writing, though I do have Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. I’m much more likely to share photos.

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

Nobody except you has to see your first attempt, and you can’t improve on a blank page! So have a go and get those ideas out into the world (or at least out to Watford Writers!)

Do you have favourite author or book?

I always love to be transported out of myself when I read, to other times or places, with a touch of fantasy and magic.

A couple of my favourite authors are Neil Gaiman and Joanne Harris.

Lesley Kerr

Profile:

I have been a member of Watford Writers since September 2019 and have been writing seriously since enrolling in Creative Writing Courses at Watford College last year. I am inspired by character development and “getting inside people’s minds”. I enjoy people watching and developing back stories for individuals who I encounter in my everyday life!

I mainly read contemporary fiction by authors such as Sabine Durrant, Donna Tartt and Anita Shreve.

Main writing interests:

Novelist and short stories. I like observational writing and dialogue rather than action. I also like historical fiction and poetry.

Published / Self Published:

A short story entitled The Way Back Home included in the anthology Where we Find Ourselves: Poems and Stories of Maps and Mapping from UK Writers of the Global Majority, published October 2021.

Current writing project:

A story based on my mother’s experience of migrating to the UK from the West Indies in the 1960s and a contemporary fiction telling the stories of interconnected characters, but I am not sure where that one is leading yet!

Do you have a special place in which to write?

I have a writing desk in our spare room in front of an inspirational vision board!

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

To join a writer’s group to hear other more experienced writers’ work and also get feedback on yours. I also found it helpful attending a writing course as we had assignments to complete which meant that I had to write something each week!

Do you have favourite author or book?

My favourite author is an American writer named Anita Shreve; she has written some of my all-time favourite books: 'The Pilot’s Wife' (Oprah’s Book Club) and 'Sea Glass.'

Lukasz Kwiatkowski

Profile:

I am from Poland and I am a fitness instructor/personal trainer by day and a writer by night. I started writing poetry when I was about 13 then I moved on to writing rap lyrics and recorded a total of 20 songs on my ancient computer. I moved to the UK as an 18 year old and after about 6 years I started writing poems in English and I do it mainly for myself as this is the best way for me to write how I really feel and what I really think.

Main writing interests:

Poetry.

Published / Self Published:

Not yet.

Current writing project:

I am always working on some poems but the main thing I am actually focused on right now is blog posts or online articles which may turn into a non – fiction book – a collection of my thoughts, theories and commentary on culture, history, science and social issues, politics, religion and whatever else I feel strongly about and would like to put my thoughts in some sort of order by writing them down.

Do you have a special place in which to write?

Not a place but I listen to classical music to get the inspiration when I sit down to write.

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

What’s always worked for me is to write like I never plan for anyone else to hear or read it. This keeps me honest. This makes me write what I want to write, what I know I am supposed to write. If you do it too, you will stop limiting yourself and a whole new world of writing will open up for you.

Do you have favourite author or book?

'Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind' by Yuval Noah Harari.

Andrea Neidle

Profile:

I’ve been a member of Watford Writers for about seven years. I began writing poetry while still at junior school so it feels as if I have been writing all my life!

I find the writing prompts and competitions at WW very helpful and motivating.

In the past I worked as a copywriter, writing advertisements and TV commercials for many well-known brands. I then moved into teaching at West Herts College where I was a senior lecturer in advertising. I ran the Watford postgraduate Diploma in Advertising course (now sadly defunct) which trained graduates for the many different careers in the advertising industry.

I feel that the skills I learnt as a copywriter have helped me to write succinctly and on brief.

Main writing interests:

Before joining Watford Writers I had very little experience of writing short stories and none of writing flash fiction. Now I find I enjoy this almost as much as writing poetry!

I was working on a book about life in France but I have lost interest in it with the advent of Brexit. I have also written poems and short stories for children.

I have a blog, My Life in Poems (andreaneidle.wordpress.com) which I started in 2011 intending it to just focus on poetry. Then Covid came along and I began posting my thoughts, flash fiction and poetry on a daily basis. I find writing a blog is akin to keeping a diary. The discipline of knowing I have to post something at least once a week keeps my brain active (!) and it’s very rewarding to see people’s comments and to know that my writing has resonated with them.

Do you have a special place in which to write?

I have my own study overlooking the garden and work straight on to a PC. But you don’t need a special place in which to write. In my advertising days I was known to scribble ideas on the back of a cigarette packet! Now, if I am out somewhere and I have an idea I send it to myself in an email!

Do you have a preferred time of day for writing?

I write when the mood takes me and when inspiration strikes! See above!

Published/Self-Published?

Not long before the start of the pandemic I published a selection of my own poems. I called the book, “Wonderland”. I designed the cover myself, formatted all the poems on my PC and used the services of a local printer to get it published.

Over the years some of my poems have been published in poetry magazines, both here and in the USA. One year my poem, “Charity Begins at Selfridges” was chosen as the New Year’s Eve close-down poem on Harlech TV after it had been published in The Anglo-Welsh Review!

In the distant past I have read my poems on, “Poetry Now” (George MacBeth, Radio 3) and on Radio London where I was guest poet for a week!

In 2000, on the back of my Master’s dissertation on training for the advertising industry, my book, “How to Get Into Advertising” was published by Cassell. It sold well and I was asked to write a new edition in 2002 (Thompson Learning). It became known as “the advertising students’ bible.”

Do you have any special techniques for writing? Specialist equipment or writing aids?

My imagination and my brain.

Have you been involved with any other writing activities? (e.g. workshops, organising writing events, attending external workshops, retreats?)

After retiring from full time teaching, I ran my own workshops in London helping people find work in the advertising industry. The most popular workshop was in creative writing (copywriting and art direction) – helping would-be copywriters and art directors to come up with ideas for advertising campaigns and build a portfolio of work that would help them get a job as a creative in an advertising agency. I had my own website, “Get Into Advertising” which I kept up to date with information about the workshops, photographs and student feedback. And, when I was teaching at Watford, I wrote all my own course literature, handouts and publicity material.

Do you have other interests? and/or member of other groups/societies?

I am a member of the Watford Area Arts Forum and the ALCS (Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society). Until recently I was a member of The Poetry Society.

I have just joined the U3a and am about to start French improver classes. I play table tennis (doubles) most weeks and have won awards in tournaments! I enjoy cooking, gardening, walking, word games such as Scrabble and Upwords, watercolour painting and spending time with our six grandchildren ranging in age from 11 to 18 months. I also get pleasure from visiting art galleries, reading and going to the theatre.

I am sometimes asked to read my poetry to local groups. This is something I very much enjoy and I do it for free. If anyone would like me to read to a group, please do get in touch via Watford Writers.

I have also presented workshops at Watford Writers - details on our workshop page

What writing project are you currently working on?

I am working on a family tree. It’s not an easy task because my family has only been in this country for two generations.

Do you have a website; Facebook, Twitter; Instagram? or write a blog?

I am on Facebook and Linked In where I post links to my blog,

“My Life in Poems”.

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

Don’t wait for the right time to write – just do it! Join a group like Watford Writers for ideas, writing challenges, support and feedback. Don’t be afraid to share your work – that’s how you will learn. Also, read as much as you can. The more you read - whether it be poetry, fiction, plays, scripts or non-fiction – the better you will write!

Do you have favourite author or book?

Anita Shreve, Maggie O’Farrell, Douglas Kennedy, Philip Roth and Ian McEwan are among my favourite authors. I enjoy reading the war poets, Robert Louis Stevenson’s verses for children, Leonard Cohen, Adrian Mitchell, Robert Frost and A.A.Milne among others.

Jan Rees

Profile:

I have been a member of Watford Writers for about 7 or 8 years. My writing is usually inspired by things that I see, hear or experience. It is also sometimes autobiographical and often triggered by a memory.

Main writing interests:

I mainly write poems, but have also enjoyed writing short pieces of prose and one or two stories. I enjoy reading my work aloud and bringing it to life.

Do you have a special place in which to write?

I often get ideas while I am on my daily walk and then write them down when I get home.

Do you have a preferred time of day for writing?

Not really.

Published / Self Published:

No, except as a contributor to the Watford Writers anthology which was produced in 2020.

Do you have any special techniques for writing? Specialist equipment or writing aids?

I sometimes make notes of certain words, phrases or references I would like to use, which I then incorporate into a poem.

Have you been involved with any other writing activities? (e.g. workshops, organising writing events, attending external workshops, retreats?)

I have helped my friend and fellow Watford Writer, Helen Nicell, to deliver one or two Poetry Workshops to different sorts of groups.

Do you have other interests? and/or member of other groups/societies?

Apart from writing my main interests are baking - particularly bread.

I am also very interested in history – particularly social history and often enjoy radio or TV documentaries concerning this wide subject.

Current writing project:

Nothing at the moment – until something new sets me off!

Do you have a website; Facebook, Twitter; Instagram? or write a blog?

No website although I am on Facebook.

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

Just have a go. You never know where it might lead or what you might achieve.

Do you have favourite author or book?

I am a big fan of Alan Bennett and have read or seen almost all of his work. I enjoy biographies too and thrillers, particularly the work of Elly Griffiths, Susan Hill and PD James.

John Ward

Helen Nicell

Profile:

I joined Watford Writers on an impulse in 2006. I had not written anything until I retired but have written extensively since. I still find WW inspiring especially hearing new members work. I was fortunate to win some early competitions for short stories and poetry, including the Swanwick Poetry Prize with my first poem – a major surprise.

My working life took me to 57 countries, providing a rich vein of stories.

I attempt all writing styles

I have read my poems at open mic nights, formal dinners, poetry festivals, Watford Palace Theatre, and The Pump House.

I also read them regularly at a Parkinsons Exercise Class where the class read them back line by line for voice therapy.

Main writing interests:

I have written 165 short stories, 74 poems, 1 Novel, 2 plays, 3 monologues, a children’s story, and a pantomime.

Published / Self Published:

‘Twisted Tales and Other Poems” and a novel, ‘Kelvin and Henry.’

Current writing project:

Memoirs from my working life

Do you have a special place in which to write?

I make notes anywhere by writing or typing on iPad then transcribe to computer in dining room.

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

Just keep writing. Don’t be too precious about your work. They are only words which you can change. Join a writing group to get feedback. Don’t worry about length of story. A story is as long as it is.

Do you have favourite author or book?

Authors: J.P.Donleavy Graham Greene

Book; 'Treasure Island,' 'Crime and Punishment.'

Helen Nicell

Profile:

I enjoyed writing essays at school and was an avid reader, I had a story published in an anthology when I was 14. But, as the years went by, I became a busy working mum and never dedicated any time to writing. I worked as a Loss Adjuster and my writing was restricted to reports on fire damage or theft losses, later I progressed to high level complaint enquiries; corresponding with M.P.s and journalists!

However, just as my sons were heading off to make their way in the world, life dealt one hell of a curve ball, I was widowed. Within a year I found myself at Watford Writers and I started writing again. It was comforting and cathartic. The group had been going about 6 months, so I am one of the ‘oldest’ members.

I am now the WW treasurer, events organiser and main booker of speakers for the group!

Everyday events and observations inspire me to write and some of our Flash Fiction competitions.

Last year I joined a book club (The Heavenly Bookers, we meet monthly in a church) as I felt I wasn’t reading as much as I used to – I blame ‘screen time’. This also helps looking at other writing styles and discovering different genres.

Main writing interests:

I enjoy writing short stories, poetry, occasionally press releases and e-mails, (I write a lot of e-mails on what we are up to!). But I get as much enjoyment seeing members of Watford Writers grow in confidence and style and their writing successes.

Published / Self Published:

I have had stories published in the Watford Observer, I came second in The Swanwick writing competition 10 years ago and my story appeared in the Writing Magazine. I also enjoyed being a regular contributor to the Watford Area Arts Forum magazine when it was in publication.

I won a writing competition set by Watford Palace Theatre. I have also had several stories published in a Kent magazine for the elderly!

A story set on an allotment was displayed in a town centre bus stop and at the Town Hall.

I wrote a children’s book with a local artist and I should do something about getting it published!

Current writing project:

Many years ago, I started a novel, I am not working on it, it’s in a drawer, but I would like to be working on it!

Do you have a special place in which to write?

I mainly like to write on my laptop sitting in the dining room, looking into the garden. But I have written notes on my phone in a hospital waiting room, the modern equivalent of always having a notebook with you.

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

Just give it a go, it can be a fantastic therapy to work through a problem or just escape from it. Don’t take things too personally either – a rejection is of your work, not you. It’s personal taste, we all enjoy different things..

Do you have favourite author or book?

'Washington Black' by Esi Edugyan, 'Little Fires' by Celeste Ng; 'Tidelands' by Phillipa Gregory. 'Pillars of The Earth' by Ken Follett, if you don’t know how to build a cathedral, it’s a must read! For comedic value, 'The Tent, The Bucket' and Me by Emma Kennedy really is one of the funniest books I have ever read.

Helen Spisak

Profile:

I loved writing at school and praised for my imagination and describing a scene and characters well in my English classes.

I also loved writing poetry. I was reading Tolkein at Junior School and loved The Faraway Tree series of books by Enid Blyton and Moomintroll series by Tove Jansson and in my late teens Daphne de Maurier. My Mum and Aunt in my late teens, got me reading Agatha Christie crime books – and not many I hadn’t read by the time I left senior school. My love of crime thrillers has not diminished, and I also read my Mums books of Victorian crime that she loves. In my early twenties I sent off a sketch to a TV channel’s Comedy Writers team which was Dracula being interviewed. They sent me back a letter thanking me but stating they did not have anything that would be suitable for my sketch to be used – a few months down the line a well-known eighties comedy sketch show included a sketch with the character Dracula talking to the camera about himself and his life…..hmmmmm. Well this put me off writing for a long time and then my personal life left me with hardly any free time. Then in my early fifties a friend of mine said she attends the Watford Writers Club and so I came along and really loved it.

I have given my short stories and poetry to family and friends to read and they have said how much I have improved in the last two years since attending the Watford Writers Club. Everyone is very friendly, and the club is extremely well run, and we have occasional workshops and great guest speakers from authors, publishers etc., and even a few social events throughout the year.

Main writing interests:

Short story writing and poetry.

Published / Self Published:

I have had poetry made public online – showing on Silversurfers website and social media Twitter via a Flash Fiction group.

Current writing project:

It’s a tale of loss of a young adult and finding another path in life that you were not originally on.

Do you have a special place in which to write?

I will write anywhere when inspiration comes a-calling. Always have a little notebook and pen in my bag.

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

Sometimes I find I will start out writing about a subject, scenario or character and completely go off at a tangent and follow that route. You may subconsciously make a sub-character more interesting than your main character, so swap them around or put them in different environments, or situations – or kill them off in Chapter 2. LOL.

Do you have favourite author or book?

I actually don’t have a favourite author – as I read so many different ones just to check out the various styles. My favourite book though will always be 'Jamaica Inn' by Daphne du Maurier. Adventure, danger, suspense and a real place to boot. I’ve been there a few times and very atmospheric just as the book is.

Keith Jahans

Profile:

I am a writer and microbiologist and established Peatmore Press as an on-line magazine in 1996 to publish and promote my writing. I have published five novels, two collections of short stories, four short audiobooks (10-15 minutes) and two motorcycle travel books. I live in England and spend most of my time writing and travelling. Further information about me can be found at http://peatmore.com/aboutpeatmorepress.htm.

I have been a member of Watford Writers for about 5 years.

Main writing interests:

Novels, Short Stories

Do you have a special place in which to write?

No.

Do you have a preferred time of day for writing?

No.

Published / Self Published:

I am self published and formed my own small company to publish my writing.

Do you have any special techniques for writing? Specialist equipment or writing aids?

I use a laptop with a spellchecker and get the laptop to read back my work to me using online software. I also get up to five people who's comments I trust to read my work before I publish.

Have you been involved with any other writing activities? (e.g. workshops, organising writing events, attending external workshops, retreats?)

I regularly publish a blog at https://peatmore.wordpress.com.

I was a speaker at the Amity International Literature Festival 3.0 Online Edition which was organized from 23rd June to 26th June, 2022. https://www.amity.edu/ailf

Do you have other interests? and/or member of other groups/societies?

I enjoy, walking, travelling and photography.

Current writing project:

I am currently working on my sixth novel

Do you have a website; Facebook, Twitter; Instagram? or write a blog?

Website: www.peatmore.com

Blog: https://peatmore.wordpress.com.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KeithJahans

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithjahanspeatmorepress

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

Read everything you can and try to write 500 words a day.

Do you have favourite author or book?

Favourite Author: H G Wells.

Homer's The Odyssey.

Jupiter's Travels by Ted Simon.

The Double Helix by James D Watson.

The Invisible Man by H G Wells.

The War of the Worlds by H G Wells

Mike Lansdown

Profile:

I think I have always enjoyed writing but did not write anything of any length until I started Adam’s Lock in about 2013. I always believed that I ‘had no imagination’ but a chance conversation with a fellow headteacher, and a Radio 4 piece on ‘feuds’, together sparked the idea that led to me starting the story of William Parker and the fictional village of Hensford.

My two educational books came, in the case of ‘In the Zone’, from a desire to set down my beliefs on education – particularly in the face of unrelenting assessment and academic pressure on children from a very young age – and in the case of the Quick Guide to meeting the Teaching Standards as a result of my work as a PGCE tutor with the University of Buckingham.

Being a member of Watford Writers (since about 2017) has been incredibly important in terms of encouraging me to develop and persevere as a writer; unexpectedly, the competitions have inspired me to write about a large range of topics and in a range of different styles. Writing to a given theme and with a deadline has also been important in helping me to develop some discipline in my writing.

Do you have a special place in which to write?

It all depends on where I can find the space. Sometimes the dining room, sometimes the office, sometimes the lounge!

Do you have a preferred time of day for writing?

Mornings seem to be the best for me.

Published / Self Published:

I have two educational books, both published by Critical Publishing (St Albans).

I also have two novels (two-thirds of a historical fiction trilogy) the first published by theendlessbookcase.com and the second by TSL publishing in Rickmansworth (see website photograph).

Together with Chris McDermott, a fellow Watford Writers member, I am working on a series of stories for primary-school-aged children.

Current writing project:

I have just finished the second edition of my book for trainee/ early-career teachers called In the Zone. I am working towards the end of the trilogy that includes Adam’s Lock, and The Land Beyond the Seas.

Do you have any special techniques for writing? Specialist equipment or writing aids?

Not really, but I do like to do my research thoroughly so that access to the internet and public libraries is important. I also keep an eye out for relevant books and have bookshelves stacked with a whole range of reference materials.

Regarding special aids, I would thoroughly recommend using Read Aloud, an extremely useful tab found in Word!

Have you been involved with any other writing activities? (e.g. workshops, organising writing events, attending external workshops, retreats?)

I do the occasional workshop for Watford Writers and I run a small creative-writing group, Penn Pushers, which meets weekly in Rickmansworth. I have done some poetry readings locally and try to improve my understanding of the craft of writing by attending workshops and courses from time to time. The Guardian Masterclasses series are excellent and I have recently bought an annual subscription to BBC Maestro which deals with various aspects of writing.

I have also presented workshops at Watford Writers - details on our workshop page

Do you have other interests? and/or member of other groups/societies?

I am a trustee with Rickmansworth Waterways Trust and volunteer as a canalboat skipper and member of the Learning at The Lock team.

I enjoy anything to do with language, and I always try to learn enough to get by if we visit places abroad (eg Italy, Spain).

About four or five times a week I walk a dog for a charity (The Cinnamon Trust) which helps keep me physically active.

In January 2023, I start a History of Art course at West Herts College, Watford, run by Ian from Watford Writers.

What writing project are you currently working on?

I am trying to complete ‘Homecoming’, the third book in The Adam’s Lock trilogy – about a third or a quarter completed so far.

Chris and I hope to get back to writing more stories for the primary school children’s project in spring 2023.

Also, Watford Writers always keep us up to speed with regular flash fiction and poetry competitions!

Do you have a website; Facebook, Twitter; Instagram? or write a blog?

I have a little-used website, and dabble in social media but not effectively enough. Something for 2023 perhaps…

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

Try to join a group of like-minded people and benefit from the mutual support afforded by this arrangement! Read as widely as possible and include materials and genres that you would not normally consider your favourites. Also, don’t be afraid to try writing things outside your comfort zone as you never know where this might lead you.

If you are doing writing that involves research or referencing others’ works, then make sure you keep good records and/ or notes. This is a lesson I learned the hard way when writing the Second and revised edition of ‘In the Zone’.

Do you have favourite author or book?

In line with the above…I like lots of different authors and book types. I particularly enjoy literary fiction, especially if it is set in historical times. Bill Bryson always intrigues me or makes me laugh, while George Orwell and Hilary Mantel never fail to write amazing stories and accounts.

Rosemary Morris

Profile:

Rosemary Morris was born in Sidcup Kent. As a child, when she was not making up stories, her head was ‘always in a book.’

While working in a travel agency, Rosemary met her Hindu husband. He encouraged her to continue her education at Westminster College. In 1961 Rosemary and her husband, now a barrister, moved to his birthplace, Kenya, where she lived from 1961 until 1982. After an attempted coup d’état, she and four of her children lived in an ashram in France.

Back in England, Rosemary wrote historical fiction and joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association, Historical Novel Society and Watford Writers and on line groups.

Apart from writing, Rosemary enjoys classical Indian literature, reading, visiting places of historical interest, vegetarian cooking, growing organic fruit, herbs and vegetables and creative crafts.

Her bookshelves are so crammed with historical non-fiction, which she uses to research her novels, that if she buys a new book she has to consider getting rid of one.

Time spent with her five children and their families, most of whom live near her, is precious.

Main writing interests:

Historical Fiction. Multi-published author, Rosemary Morris has set her novels in the reign of Charles II’s niece, Queen Anne Stuart, who reigned from 1702 to 1714, and the ever popular Regency era. She has also written a mediaeval novel set in in the reign of Edward II.

Published / Self Published:

11 novels - full details: http://rosemarymorris.co.uk/#

Current writing project:

please see: http://rosemarymorris.co.uk

Do you have a special place in which to write?

please see: http://rosemarymorris.co.uk

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

It isn’t enough for us to have a good idea for an article, a poem, a short story, novella or novel, we need to write to the best of our ability. I belong to Watford Writers, and am grateful to members, who give me encouragement and make helpful suggestions.

Enjoy writing.

Do you have favourite author or book?

please see: http://rosemarymorris.co.uk

Chris McDermott

Profile:

I have been writing since 1996, when I started writing and selling my murder mystery plays. I was inspired because my wife and I had joined a group which performed murder mystery plays and we needed new scripts, and so I started writing them. This then became a business and, to date, we have sold nearly 2,000 play packages, consisting of my plays and my father’s plays, as fund-raising opportunities, mainly for schools. Our website is: murdermysteryplayers.co.uk.

I am inspired to write, either by something I perceive as humorous (which was, perhaps, meant to be serious!) or an aspect of ‘the human condition’ which I want to explore. I have been a member of Watford Writers since 2019, not long after I returned from Dubai, where I had lived for seven years. I like to read works that contain a mystery or which are humorous.

I have won a number of awards for Best Script, Best Director and Best Performer, at play festivals in England and Dubai. The latest awards were as Runner-Up for Best Script and Winner of Best Performer (these were for my monologue Connections) at the Short and Sweet Play Festivalin Brentwood in Essex, which ran from the end of September to the beginning of October 2022.

Main writing interests:

I am mainly a playwright and, to date, have written 38 plays that have been seen by paying audiences, either as full-length plays or as part of festivals. As well as my murder mystery plays, I have written a number of short plays that have appeared in short play festivals, mainly in Dubai.

Do you have a special place in which to write?

I write in my study at home.

Do you have a preferred time of day for writing?

Generally, I like to write in the morning or early afternoon. I don’t tend to write in the evening or at night.

Published / Self Published:

I have sold printed copies of my play, but have never been published as such.

Do you have any special techniques for writing? Specialist equipment or writing aids?

It depends on the type of writing I am doing. If I am writing a murder mystery play, I have a very clear structure which includes character motivation and opportunity, clues and the sequence of events which outlines which clues will be revealed when and how.

Similarly, I have a very clear structure when I am writing academically.

If I am writing short stories for young children, adolescents or adults, I tend to have one main idea, with a conclusion in mind, but do not have such a clear structure.

Have you been involved with any other writing activities? (e.g. workshops, organising writing events, attending external workshops, retreats?)

I have run writing workshops for the Emirates Festival of Literature, privately, and, of course, for Watford Writers. I have attended writing workshops in Dubai and through Watford Writers.

Since returning from Dubai in 2018, I have completed two Masters degrees at the University of Cambridge, one in Educational Leadership and School Improvement. I wrote my dissertation on the subject of Head Teacher Well-being. I also completed a Master of Studies degree at the same university on the subject of Writing for Performance. I have also presented workshops at Watford Writers - details on our workshop page

Do you have other interests? and/or member of other groups/societies?

I love sport and music, as well as the theatre, of course.

Current writing project:

I have very recently completed my M.St. at the University of Cambridge, for which I wrote a full-length play, on the subject of ‘Coercive Control’, with three alternative endings. I was inspired to write on this subject by a programme I heard on the radio. I adopted a play structure in which the audience is given the opportunity to vote for one of three options that they believe the coerced protagonist should take. The structure and the outline of the three choices are given to the audience by the protagonist’s counsellor, who breaks ‘the fourth wall’ by addressing the audience directly. Of course, the ultimate consequences of each of the three choices are not made clear to the audience –that would spoil the surprise!

I am currently working on a collection of short stories, together with a fellow Watford Writer, which are under the guidance of a well-known celebrity, who discusses the themes with us. The stories are aimed at primary school aged children.

I am also writing a children’s story set in Dubai, aimed at encouraging tourists to take their children there to tour the city, guided by my story.

I am sketching out ideas for a book about decision-making for school leaders, which will include scenarios for them and their staff.

Currently, I am also involved as the voice of an audiobook, written by American academics on the subject of Leadership and Trust.

I have written a course for post-graduate student teachers from the University of Connecticut, USA, which I deliver in London. Its title is: ‘The Culture of Schools – International Perspectives on Key Educational Issues. Developing a Cross-Cultural Understanding’.

Do you have a website; Facebook, Twitter; Instagram? or write a blog?

I have a website: murdermsteryplayers.co.uk

Reference to my writing appears on the website of Wolfson College, the University of Cambridge.

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

Just write! Don’t let procrastination or the fear of not getting it right stop you.

Write! Write! Write!

Correction can come later. We all suffer from ‘The Imposter Syndrome’ at some time or other.

Do you have favourite author or book?

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.

Steve Clifford

Chris McDermott

Profile:

I joined Watford Writers probably around 10 – 12 years ago and have been writing with reasonable regularity since. I wrote about three quarters of a child/teenage book some time ago but lost everything when my computer crashed. I have since written an urban fantasy novel which sat around for a while, as I didn’t really know what to do with it. This has recently been published and turned into a trilogy. I write because I love words and enjoy creating other realities. I write in various styles, genres and mediums but I like writing that carries impact. As this can sometimes be unsettling my writing can be thought of as being dark and my lighter pieces are often forgotten.

Main writing interests:

Novelist, fiction, poetry and I have been experimenting with some plays.

Published / Self Published:

Yes, my Lucifer's Child trilogy has been published with TSL books under a pen name. Genre difficult to specify (could perhaps categorise it under Gnostic, Religious Sci Fi Urban Fantasy)

Current writing project:

Sequel and concepts mentioned above.

Do you have a special place in which to write?

Can be anywhere but computer in spare room is useful when at home.

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

Remember that negative criticism is just one perspective.

Do you have favourite author or book?

A good read? If you like fantasy that is both full of intrigue, complex yet, easy reading, try the Amber Chronicles by Roger Zelazny.
If you prefer a more historical tale that leaves you satisfied at the end, then ‘The Long Ships’ by Franz Bengtsson or ‘Goat Song’ by Frank Yerby are a good place to start.

Favourite authors include:

Franz Bengtsson

Roger Zelazny

Frank Yerby

Ursula Leguin

John Donne

Samuel Coleridge

and of course, no one can ignore Shakespeare

Ann Crago

David Elliott

Profile:

I joined Watford Writers when I retired 5 years ago. I have always loved to read, everything from Asimov to chick lit and everything in between.

My career centred around communications including speech writing, newspaper copy and marketing. I never tried writing fiction, although some of my speeches came close!

Through Watford Writers and the challenges set, I discovered I love writing for fun. I have completed a children’s book based on a true story. I am also 10 chapters into my first novel.

Main writing interests:

I wouldn’t dream of calling myself a novelist, just aspiring!

Do you have a special place in which to write?

Living in Portugal, I write outside in the sunshine.

Do you have a preferred time of day for writing?

Published / Self Published:

I’m still searching for a publisher for my children’s book. I have had articles and columns published in newspapers way back when.

Do you have any special techniques for writing? Specialist equipment or writing aids?

No.

Have you been involved with any other writing activities? (e.g. workshops, organising writing events, attending external workshops, retreats?)

No.

Do you have other interests? and/or member of other groups/societies?

I’m learning Portuguese.

Current writing project:

My novel, based in the diplomatic world in the early 1990’s.

Do you have a website; Facebook, Twitter; Instagram? or write a blog?

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

Just start. Join a group like Watford Writers who will be supportive and offer constructive criticism.

Do you have favourite author or book?

Anything by Bill Bryson as his books make me laugh out loud.

David Elliott

Profile:

Semi-Retired after 31 years in the Fire Service, I have been a member of Watford Writers for just over five years.

Main writing interests:

I love to write about local identity, be it the highs and lows of Watford past and present; or of rugged Cornwall where my family love to spend holidays.

Published / Self Published:

I am exploring how to get some of my work published at present.

Current writing project:

A everyday narrative on life’s ups and downs, where the protagonists graft and try not to melt, in world full of snowflakes.

Do you have a special place in which to write?

Mainly at my desk at home, but I love to get out into the countryside, spread out a picnic rug and see where the weather takes me.

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

Don’t give up.

Do you have favourite author or book?

From Arthur Ransome through Hemmingway to Neil Stephenson and everything in between.

Swallows and Amazons

The Garden of Eden

Cryptonomicom

Jo Hopkinson

Patricia Simpson

Profile:

I have been writing for as long as I can remember. The trouble is my life is a mass of lists, ideas, half written stories and more to do lists. I often look at people around me and write about them and their life experiences. I just change the names. I like that as a writer you can be whoever you choose to be that moment in life. I think the Watford Writers offers a great variety of opportunities and I enjoy the guest speakers.

Main writing interests:

I would love to get a novel written.

Published / Self Published:

No.

Current writing project:

I have been fortunate to have had a lifetime of spiritual experiences. Major and minor. Having kept diaries for many years I would love to share these in a book or two for those that are interested. Sometimes the people and places in life are more than coincidence.

Do you have a special place in which to write?

Whenever I get inspiration.

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

My message is even if one person likes what I have written it is a reason to smile and continue.

Do you have favourite author or book?

Signals by Joel Rothschild. Recommended by someone who helped me in life more than I can ever thank them for.

Patricia Simpson

Profile:

I have been writing stories since I was first able to write. Most of them, of course, not very good. My first piece of fiction to gain me an award was the creative writing credit which was linked to my A-level English examination.

My inspiration for writing is the joy of telling a story and seeing the characters come to life (not always in the way you expect).

I’ve been a member of Watford Writers for the last three years. I joined because of the amazing differences between styles of writing and poetry within the group and because of the support and constructive encouragement Watford Writers provides.

My favourite reads are historical fiction including historical romance and also detective stories both historical and modern.

Main writing interests:

I write novels and have had an attempt or two or three at both historical romance and detective fiction. I have also contributed to a non-fiction work on the subject of historical dance. My task was to produce the background history through the ages from Medieval to .early twentieth century.

Published / Self Published:

Death is Waiting has been published with TSL Books in February 2023.

I sent two early drafts of my historical romances to Mills and Boon who were kind enough to say they would like to see anything else I have written but my current work was not for them.

Current writing project:

I am currently in the middle of a police procedural with a supernatural twist.

Do you have a special place in which to write?

I am in the process of purchasing and having built a summer house which will be my writing space.

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

Keep trying. This is really like Robert the Bruce and the spider where he learned that if you don’t succeed the first time, try, try again. Besides, that is where the fun lies – bringing to life the stories trapped in your head.

Join a good writing group like Watford Writers where you will be supported.

Do you have favourite author or book?

Lyndsay Davies and her Falco Novels

Georgette Heyer and her Historical Romances

Lee Child and his Jack Reacher series

Dorothy L. Sayers and her Lord Peter Wimsy detective series.

Linda Spurr

Profile:

According to my family, I was born with a pencil in my hand! I’ve always wanted to be a writer, so that’s quite a few years now!

I’ve been an infrequent visitor to the Watford Writers since it began.

I love history and places all over the world have always inspired me to write.

www.letsgetwriting.co.uk

Main writing interests:

I was a journalist for newspapers and the BBC for 20+ years, specialising in sport. I then became a freelance travel writer for magazines.

Now I write novels and a writing blog.

Published / Self Published:

Newspapers, Television and magazines.

Current writing project:

My novel Pathway To the Gods was shortlisted in the Wilbur Smith Adventure Prize three years ago. I’m still trying to get that published while writing the sequel..

Read here for details.

Do you have a special place in which to write?

Overlooking a secret beach

in south-west Ireland.

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

Never stop learning.

Do you have favourite author or book?

My favourite reads are historical

and crime novels.

Geoff Brown

Louise Welland

Profile:

After a business career culminating in a thirteen year spell as a Senior Partner in a leading global headhunting firm I retired in 2001. I’ve spent the past twenty plus years travelling all over the world and learning Italian and French to a pretty good level. I really only started writing about ten years ago when, completely out of the blue, the first sentence of a novel came into my head.

I joined Watford Writers in the summer of 2019 and have found the group very welcoming and mutually supportive. I particularly enjoy the flash fiction competitions which pose the challenge of writing a compelling story in a few hundred words.

Main writing interests:

Novels and Short Stories

Do you have a special place in which to write?

Usually my home office but in warm weather I like to write outside in the garden

Do you have a preferred time of day for writing?

No.

Published / Self Published:

In February 2022 my novel ‘Cruel Deflections’ was published by TSL Books. This is a crime story spanning four decades, set mainly in Italy and the UK. A man and his family pit themselves against a Mafia clan in a fight for survival. The novel chronicles a cycle of betrayal, revenge, retribution and redemption. It shows how chance events can hijack lives and spin them away from what seemed to be their set course.

Do you have any special techniques for writing? Specialist equipment or writing aids?

I tend to sketch a few notes and then type straight into the computer quite quickly and polish later.

Have you been involved with any other writing activities? (e.g. workshops, organising writing events, attending external workshops, retreats?)

Did an evening course on Creative writing at West Herts college.

Do you have other interests? and/or member of other groups/societies?

None

Current writing project:

A prequel to Cruel Deflections focusing on one of the major characters, Major Canepa, an officer in the Italian militarised police force, the Guardia di Finanza

Do you have a website; Facebook, Twitter; Instagram? or write a blog?

On Linkedin only

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

Find your own style and get a group of friends/colleagues to give you objective feedback

Do you have favourite author or book?

My favourite recent book is A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. NB I’ve posted a review on the Watford Writers website. Favourite authors incude William Boyd, Sebastian Barry, Anne Enwright, Robert Harris, Philip Kerr, Donna Tartt, Rohinton Mistry, Martin Cruz Smith, Leila Slimani, Tim Winton, Carlos Rius Zafon, Anthony Doerr, David Mitchell, Stephen Leather and Phliip Meyer

Louise Welland

Profile:

I am a retired ‘admin’ type person. I spent years managing voluntary services for a local hospice, and before that managed retirement housing schemes. In my free time I am rather more creative and can often be found sewing, refurbishing furniture, art journaling etc. My idea of Heaven is to take unwanted, discarded items and make them into something beautiful and/or useful. I lead a busy life and now volunteer for a local wildlife sanctuary, and sing with a choir in Windsor.

Main writing interests:

I have written for as long as I can remember, but only when I get inspiration. I remember once being inspired to write a piece on the back of a timetable whilst invigilating exams! That’s how it works for me. I very rarely sit down with a blank mind and write, I almost always wake up with an idea in my head, and have to sit with a pen until it all spills out onto paper. Most of my work are short stories with a twist, or silly songs and ditties which I perform at a local singing group. I also enjoy writing funny rhymes for friends which I give as part of a gift.

Published / Self Published:

Not published, although I was asked to hand over a song I had written to some friends who are musicians!

Current writing project:

I am writing a stage play/musical but haven’t felt inspired to pick it up for a while.

Do you have a special place in which to write?

Just at the dining room table with a cuppa.

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

Don’t ever think your writing is not good enough. We all have different taste and different styles. Even if you simply write for your own pleasure, just do it!

Do you have favourite author or book?

That is very difficult to answer. Books were my refuge whilst I was a child. I used them as an escape from what was wrong in my life. If I had to choose one, I guess it would be "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho. I adore simple books with profound meaning.

Ian Welland

Louise Welland

Profile:

I joined Watford Writers in May 2019. I have written over 100 articles specialising in Art, Astronomy and History. I have also written for radio, newspapers and television; and worked for local radio.

I have turned my hand to writing historical fiction and resumed writing some poetry. I am also a lecturer at West Herts College in Watford, teaching History of Art;

and also teach creative writing workshops at

Watford Writers and elsewhere.

Main writing interests:

Historical Fiction; Poetry; Art History; Astronomy.

Do you have a special place to write?

My writing shed in the garden.

Do you have a preferred time of day for writing?

Early morning is preferred. I try and ensure I have at least one evening a week to devote to writing.

Published / Self Published:

Articles for UK based art, astronomy and history magazines. More details: www.ianwelland.co.uk

My first novel, a sequel to a famous 20th Century quintessential English novel, was completed in the Autumn of 2018. Due to copyright law, this sequel shall remain unpublished until further notice.

My second and third novels, entitled

Duty of Candour

and Remorse for the Rising Sun were completed in 2021 and are due for publication in Autumn 2023 and 2024 respectively.

A slim volume of poetry, Round and Around (Selected Poems 1978 - 2023)

was published in March 2023

in aid of Peace Hospice Care Watford.

I am planning to mark my 50th anniversary of my interest in astronomy with a limited edition book in September 2024.

Do you have any special techniques for writing? Specialist equipment or writing aids?

I sometimes make notes of certain words, phrases or references I would like to use, which I then incorporate into my work.

Have you been involved with any other writing activities? (e.g. workshops, organising writing events, attending external workshops, retreats?)

I am an art history lecturer at

West Herts College, Watford

I have also presented workshops at Watford Writers - details on our workshop page

Do you have other interests? and/or member of other groups/societies?

Association for Art History

William Shipley Society

Friends of Watford Museum

Camping and Carvanning Club

I enjoy music and football.

Current writing project:

I am busy writing my fourth novel, entitled A Poet At War (due for publication in 2024), plus starting work on a sequel to my second and third novels.

Do you have a website; Facebook, Twitter; Instagram? or write a blog?

Website; Twitter; Linked-In

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

Don't think about becoming a writer - be a writer! There is no such thing as writer's block as there is always something to say!

Do you have favourite author or book?

Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh is without doubt my favourite book (first read under the trees of the Ilex Grove at Cliveden, near Maidenhead, in summer 1980.

I also enjoy the diaries of James Lees Milne; the poetry of Robert Graves;

and the work of Laurie Lee.

Jennie Willett

Profile:

I am a freelance lecturer, trainer, therapist and writer. As a lecturer I specialised in adult teacher education on how people learn. I deliver personal development courses for various organisations. My voluntary work has included working with Victim Support, taking a lead on bullying issues. I also have a private practice covering all areas of personal development stress/time management and cognitive behaviour therapy.

Main writing interests:

My reading is non fiction, mostly all research, so my writing is as a result of this.

I run a poetry reading group, and an 'art for fun' group.

Published / Self Published:

Easy Ways to Build Assertiveness Confidence and Self-Esteem

Easy Ways to Lift Your Mood (co-written with Dr Peter Connell)

Easy Ways to Manage Difficult Neighbours

Currently Awaiting publication:

Easy Ways to Manage PTSD

Easy Ways to Improve Life in Difficult times.

Do you have a special place in which to write?

At an antique desk placed in the window, where I can see the world go by!

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

Write something every day and when proofreading, read their work out loud.

Do you have favourite author or book?

My reading is non fiction, mostly all research.

I do read books on bridge (not that it improves my play!).

I have also presented workshops at Watford Writers - details on our workshop page

Marion Witton

Jennie Willett

Profile:

I recently joined Watford Writers and have found the members really welcoming. Their contributions are extremely well accomplished I am enjoying being read to at the zoom meetings, learning about interests and subjects I knew little about. I found myself out of my depth at Grammar School and the only positive end of term reports I received were in English Literature. I really enjoyed writing. The pieces I submitted to various journals and magazines mostly got published and I was a regular contributor to Health & Fitness magazine; Commodore Computer International; Amiga User; Caring Times amongst others which supplemented my income from my day job, starting as a nurse and through various iterations ending my career as Chief Inspector of Social Services in Ireland.

Main writing interests:

Writing Gran and Me stories for my four grandchildren based on our adventures. I have started to put together odd and ends of funny happenings in my life but mostly enjoy the topics that Watford Writers present for the weekly meetings, especially the challenge of writing a story in under 500 words.

Published / Self Published:

I was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour when I was in my 50s and it prompted me to pull together stories of my life and lifetime as well as my travels. That and a slight annoyance with my late Mum & grandparents who told family stories but never wrote them down and who left a huge number of photos and without any reference to who they were. In the end I had enough material to compile two ‘In My Day’ books – the first is In My Day - My Life and Times and the second is In My day – Journeys of a Lifetime, which I had privately published with just four copies of both, one of each of my children and one for me. I got them finished just before the growing tumour was zapped in the gamma knife unit at Queen’s Square, which carried the risk of brain damage but fortunately was a success. Other publications include: A Women’s Guide to Health in Barnet 1988; Guides to the Care Standards Act; Training Materials and workbooks for Anglia University, and various post-doctoral specialist articles following my PhD thesis.

Do you have a special place in which to write?

I jot down notes when I think of something but mainly write stories in my head and put them down on my IPad or laptop when I get a moment. For example, on one of the subjects set by Watford Writers, I woke up in the night and composed a whole story which I subsequently wrote down in the morning. When I was in Ireland and had to speak publicly a great deal, I thought about the three things I would like the audience to remember and wrote the speech around them in my head, making some notes on the train. My staff used to say I took longer to get ready than to write my speech but in truth I would have mentally polished it over and over again.

Do you have favourite author or book?

A Room of One’s Own. Virginia Woolf famously said ‘Nothing has happened unless it is written down’. This was particularly relevant to gathering evidence as part of our regulatory function but is also about life too. At least my children won’t have to say in the future ‘I wish Mum had written it down’. It’s all here somewhere.

Helen Gordon

Jennie Willett

Helen Gordon

Profile:

On and off at various CW groups for many years. Strong feelings. In groups where teachers inspired me. Too many favourite reads to mention. I’ve been attending WW on and off for about two years. I would love to write poetry.

Current writing project:

A monologue

Do you have a special place in which to write?

Yes

Are you or have you been involved in other writing activities? (e.g. workshops, organising writing events, external workshops, writing retreats)?

Currently I belong to two other CW groups which keep me very busy.

Do you have other interests/

member of other groups?

Yes. Art group. Poetry Group. Yoga. Learning Sanscrit, very slowly. Teaching myself piano. Horticulture. Since retiring from teaching Biology. I qualified as a Bach Flower Practitioner, giving talks, running workshops and seeing clients.

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

Keep writing.

Write for fun and sheer pleasure.

Do you have favourite author or book?

Do you have Facebook, Twitter, Instagram?

Website or write a blog?

I have a personal and Bach facebook sites. I write blogs from time to time on my Bach FB. Giving advice re Bach remedies why, when and how to take them.

For emotional well being.

Liz Shaw

Profile:

I’ve been trying out new things since I retired including joining Watford Writers.

Writing for pleasure is a new activity for me – when I was working my writing was focussed on academic reports and research, but I did enjoy writing and editing a satirical magazine every Christmas to accompany the company pantomime.

Main writing interests:

I enjoy meeting the challenge of the writing prompts and the monthly competitions at Watford Writers. I have no ambition to be a published writer – I’m in it for the fun.

Do you have a special place in which to write?

No.

Do you have a preferred time of day for writing?

No.

Published / Self Published:

I am a co-author on three very dry research papers. I do not expect anyone to read them.

Using Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) to develop an intervention to improve referral and uptake rates for self-management education for patients with type 2 diabetes in UK primary care

Trial participation as avoidance strategy: a qualitative study

A qualitative study of organisational response to national quality standards for 7-day services in English hospitals

Do you have any special techniques for writing? Specialist equipment or writing aids?

No.

Have you been involved with any other writing activities? (e.g. workshops, organising writing events, attending external workshops, retreats?)

No.

Do you have other interests? and/or member of other groups/societies?

I am a member of:

One Voice Watford Community Choir

The Cloud Appreciation Society (member 26511)

I like gin

Current writing project:

None.

Do you have a website; Facebook, Twitter; Instagram? or write a blog?

No.

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

Join Watford writers – you will get all the support and encouragement you need

Do you have favourite author or book?

No.

Stephen Crook

Profile:

I have been writing most of my professional life in one form or another but I’ve only been writing fiction since 2017.

I started with Watford Writers in 2021.

I’m a member of the local Library book club as otherwise I’d just read Detective Fiction!

Main writing interests:

I write whatever interests me, fiction or non-fiction.

Do you have a special place in which to write?

I normally write in the Dining room as I love being able to spread out on the big table.

Do you have a preferred time of day for writing?

I like to write after breakfast but sometimes I have an idea I just have to get down on paper.

Published/Self-Published?

I’ve been published in a technical magazine and had an honourable mention in several scientific papers.

Do you have any special techniques for writing? Specialist equipment or writing aids?

I’m always looking for new techniques and ways to spur creativity.

Have you been involved with any other writing activities? (e.g. workshops, organising writing events, attending external workshops, retreats?)

No.

Do you have other interests? and/or member of other groups/societies?

I’m a member of the local PROBUS and the local Library book club.

What writing project are you currently working on?

A biography for private consumption only – I’ve been far to honest!

Do you have a website; Facebook, Twitter; Instagram? or write a blog?

No.

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

Enjoy your writing - it gives you a different perspective on the world.

Do you have favourite author or book?

There’s a long list and I’m discovering more writers I enjoy almost daily.

Melville Lovatt

Profile:

I have been writing plays and monologues over a long period and my work has been widely performed in smaller theatres

throughout London. At the start of the Pandemic, to my own great surprise, I started to write poetry again, having stopped writing it, for personal reasons, almost fifty years ago. This ‘new’ development has resulted in my poetry collection, Dancing for England which was recently published by TSL Publications. I’m currently working on a second poetry collection.

A number of my plays, poems and monologues have won various awards over the years. For more detailed information regarding the awards and all my published work, please go to my TSL Profile Page: https://tslbooks.uk/melville-lovatt/

What inspires me to write? I regard all my plays as investigations and need, as I write, to feel a strong sense of discovery. To create life on a blank sheet of paper remains a great thrill. Seeing my plays performed on stage or listening to them as podcasts, remains a nerve-racking but sometimes magical experience.

For the record, I joined Watford Writers in 2022. I was grateful for their support for my show at the Watford Fringe Festival and look forward to a long association with them.

Main writing interests:

I am a Playwright, Monologue Writer, and Poet.

Do you have a special place in which to write?

At the dining table in winter.

Out in the garden in summer.

Do you have a preferred time of day for writing?

I tend to write mostly in the morning or afternoon.

Published/Self-Published?

TSL Publications have so far published

15 Plays. 2 Monologue Collections.

1 Poetry Collection. (74 Poems.)

TSL are due to publish a new full-length play, ‘Visiting Time.’ in 2023.

https://tslbooks.uk/melville-lovatt/

My work is also available directly from myself.

Contact:

melvillelovatt@hotmail.com

Also, from Amazon and Lulu.

Do you have any special techniques for writing? Specialist equipment or writing aids?

Playwriting is very much a visual medium.I find I can’t write anything unless I can see and hear it unfold simultaneously.

I regard all my plays as investigations in which I follow the clues, which I leave for myself through the characters, as I go along. The first draft of a play is largely a subconscious activity.

I then work back it in a far more conscious frame of mind, paying very close attention to the rhythm of the words,

pauses and silences.

Have you been involved with any other writing activities? (e.g. workshops, organising writing events, attending external workshops, retreats?)

I came to London in 1970 to study playwriting and to take advantage of the then booming London Lunchtime Theatre Scene. I attended courses at The City Literature Institute, Holborn and The Tricycle Theatre, Kilburn.

Do you have other interests? and/or member of other groups/societies?

I sometimes deliver talks on the art of Monologue Writing. I give regular poetry readings at Open Mic events. and am interested in doing more of these on request.

I particularly enjoy reading my poems out loud. I’m a former President of Harrow Writers Circle. and currently a member of the following groups: Pinner Writers Group.

Player / Playwrights, Kilburn, London.

East Lane Theatre Company, Wembley, London. Belmont Theatre Company, Pump House, Watford. Uxbridge Library ‘Curtain Up’ Play Reading Group.

What writing project are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on a second poetry collection.

Do you have a website; Facebook, Twitter; Instagram? or write a blog?

I post regularly on Facebook and occasionally on Twitter. I have a detailed Profile Page with TSL Publications.

https://tslbooks.uk/melville-lovatt/

What message would you like to give to other writers / would-be writers?

Never give up. Try experimenting with different writing genres.

Getting out of your comfort zone can sometimes prove very pleasantly surprising. If writing is central to your personality, you will write forever regardless of ‘The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.’

Do you have favourite author or book?