Meet some of our group members

Profile:

  I was a doctor, now retired from clinical practice but still working as a medical adviser on tribunals. I wrote for many years about medicine for the lay public in several books and in newspapers. As I no longer have the credibility to write about that I have turned to comment pieces about aspects of life, hopefully with a humorous twist. I joined Watford Writers about 3 years ago with a view to getting a more disciplined framework to develop skills in fiction and comment pieces.

Main writing interests:

  Now, short stories, reflection and comment pieces with a humorous edge.   

I like novels and stories with strong characters though with reflection as well as action. I am always impressed by Kate Atkinson’s insights and Stephen King’s pace. Dickens, Robertson Davies, the unforced humour and convoluted plotting of Harlen Coben, the deceptively simple short stories of Kent Haruf or Edith Pearlman. I enjoy ”classical” poetry especially John Donne and TS Eliot. I read modern poetry occasionally and fiction but more in hope than satisfaction. I’d rather spend the time on a poem with a rhyme. 

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:

  None specific. I write for an organisation I’m involved with every couple of months.

Do you have a special place in which to write?

  Sunshine and a glass of wine help.  

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

  Write down as much as possible first. Only then start revising. You will never get the text perfect so you may have to settle for what’s good rather than what’s best.

 Do you have favourite author or book? 

 'The Leopard' by Giussepe di Lampedusa.

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.

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

Current writing project:

Content for Bulletins of William Shipley Group (WSG); Arthur Lasenby Liberty, the Society of Arts and Royal Designers for Industry for a WSG Occasional Paper.

Do you have a special place in which to write?

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.  

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:

  More short and flash fiction stories

“Road Works 2” - more travel stories.

Do you have a special place in which to write?

No.

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

  Write a draft quickly, 

editing is the creative stage.

 Do you have favourite author or book? 

No.

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:

    Not yet!  

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.' 

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.

Profile:

   When I was in my twenties and thirties I tried to write, but never got further than a few scribbled notes or chapters. There's been quite a gap! I've now been writing for about a year, and I've been coming to Watford Writers for about 6 months. If I have a story to tell, I'll try and write it, but I can't write to order. I'm not sure where my inspiration comes from, it just appears! There's usually one idea that pops into my head which I find interesting and I work on that. I love to be transported out of myself when read, so I still tend to read a lot of fantasy or novels set in unfamiliar times and places. 

Main writing interests:

Short stories, novels.

Published / Self Published:

 Not yet.

Current writing project:

 I've started working on a YA (Young Adult) fantasy novel. The initial idea came about when Watford Writers held a 300 word Flash Fiction Competition last year, the word was 'Curtains'. I'm still on Chapter One (or is it Chapter Two?!).

Do you have a special place in which to write?

  Anywhere but if I've just got up, sitting on the stool in the kitchen with my back against the radiator!

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

Writing is creative, challenging and fun! 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 love Neil Gaiman's' writing. A favourite is 'The Ocean at the End of the Lane'.

Profile:

   I have been a member of Watford Writers for about three years. I have been writing poetry since I was in junior school. In the past I have read at various writers’ workshops, Poetry & Jazz, Poetry & Folk and at The Poetry Society. In the 80s I regularly read my poetry at The Pump House Folk Club. I still enjoy an audience for my poetry and am happy to be contacted by any groups who would like to hear me read. 

Main writing interests:

  Poetry, short stories and have been working on a book on and off for some time. 

Published / Self Published:

   My book, “How to Get into Advertising” (Cassell) was published in 2000. A second edition was published in 2002 (Thompson). It is currently published by Cengage Learning.

My poetry has been published in a number of journals, both here and in the USA. It has also been broadcast by the BBC and on Harlech TV. 

I recently self-published a book of my poetry, “Wonderland.” 

I blog my poetry at My Life in Poems:

www.andreaneidle.wordpress.com 

Current writing project:

   I am working on a book about life in the South of France. It has been an ongoing project for some years – I am easily distracted!

Do you have a special place in which to write?

  I have my own study and work straight on to a PC.  

 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!

Read widely, read extensively, read a great deal. 

The more you read, the better you will write!

 Do you have favourite author or book? 

    Douglas Kennedy, Anita Shreve, Maggie O’Farrell, Philip Roth, Ian McEwan. I enjoy reading the poetry of the war poets, Robert Louis Stevenson, Leonard Cohen and A.A. Milne.

I prefer reading fiction to non-fiction. 

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.'

Profile:

I joined Watford Writers about 5 years ago and have always found encouragement and stimulus from being a member – 2 important things for any would-be writer.

For many years I was a teacher of young children and enjoyed writing poems and songs to use with them. 

Since retiring I have turned my attention to writing poetry for adults.

My poetry is sometimes autobiographical but maybe triggered by something I have recently seen, heard or experienced. Sometimes I use rhyme and sometimes not. I have always loved words and enjoy painting pictures with words so that my readers or listeners can see what I saw when writing. I enjoy reading my work aloud so that it comes to life.

I have read almost everything that Alan Bennett has written have seen most of his plays and films. His powers of observation are second to none. I also enjoy historical or theatrical biographies and a good thriller. I particularly enjoy thrillers written by Susan Hill and Ellie Griffiths.   

Main writing interests:

Poetry. 

Published / Self Published:

    Not yet.

Current writing project:

     I write only when something triggers me to do so – nothing at the moment.

Do you have a special place in which to write?

   No but I always write in longhand first and type my work up when I am satisfied with it.  

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

    Have a go – you never know where it might take you! 

 Do you have favourite author or book? 

 'The House on the Strand' by Daphne du Maurier - partly because it deals with time travel, which fascinates me, and partly because it is set in Cornwall where I grew up.  

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.

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. 

 Profile:

   Keith Jahans a writer and microbiologist and has been a member of Watford Writers for about three years. He formed Peatmore Press as an on-line magazine in 1996 to publish and promote his writing. In 2008 he left his microbiology job at Defra’s Veterinary Laboratories Agency and established Peatmore Press as a Limited Company the following year.

He has told stories ever since he could remember which inspired him to write and started writing them down in his early teens. His   favourite reads are almost anything but he is particularly fond of crime thrillers.

He spends a lot of his time writing and travelling.  Further information about him can be found by visiting his website at http://peatmore.com

Main writing interests:

 Novelist, short story writing, blogging. 

Published / Self Published:

 His first novel, Cogrill's Mill, was released as an e-book in 2005 and as a paperback book in   2009. He decided to use the penname of   Jack Lindsey for this novel to separate his fictional work from that he has   published as a microbiologist. A second novel, Victim of Compromise, written under a second penname of Luke   Johnson, was published on 15 February 2010. Crime and Passion, a collection of twelve contrasting short stories by   Luke Johnson and Jack Lindsey, was published in ebook format in August 2011. This was followed by four   audiobooks, the first of which was released at the end of 2011. A second Jack Lindsey novel, Gifford's   Games, was launched in June 2012 in the month preceding the London Olympic   games (it has nothing to do with the Olympics but everything to do with   games). New Beginnings, a collection   of short stories written under his own name, was published in August 2014. A fourth novel, Magic Bullets, written   under his own name was published in 2018.

In October 2013 he   published his first non fiction book, American Road, as an ebook in kindle   and epub formats describing a motorcycle journey in words and pictures he   undertook in the Southwest of the USA during 1982. Then following successful sales on Amazon   he followed this in April 2015 with the publication of Bike Travelling Man in   Kindle format describing his experiences with two motorcycles. 

Current writing project:

    I am currently working on my fifth novel.

Do you have a special place in which to write?

I prefer to write at a desk in my home or a hotel room. 

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

Enjoy your writing and do not be afraid to show it to others. Remember that if no one else can see it, it does not exist.

Do you have favourite author or book? 

There are so many. But if I have to pick one author it would be HG Wells and his one book would be "The Invisible Man".

Profile:

I have always written, but have had more time and focus since retiring from primary school headship in 2015. I find going to Watford Writers (which I joined in January 2017) the most motivating thing I have done in relation to my writing. I really enjoy the challenge of writing to order (e.g. Flash fiction, and other competitions) something I never believed I would like doing.

I don’t really have a favourite author or genre and tend to pick up all sorts of reading materials, both fiction and factual. However, I love the humour in Bill Bryson’s writing, and I enjoy any fiction that also helps me broaden my knowledge of things historical (having dropped the subject, bored, in about 1970!) 

Main writing interests:

 After 40 years of teaching, and despite the pressures, I still find education and learning fascinating – therefore two of my published books. I enjoy the research aspects of writing (educational and historical, mainly) and am keen to ‘get things right’ where I can.

I have always written simple verse and rhyme and have made a recent return to this area. 

Published / Self Published:

 I have   two educational books published by Critical Publishing Ltd – a dynamic,   relatively young company based in St Albans.

In 2017 I ‘vanity published’ (though I did not know the term when I did so) a novel titled ‘Adam’s Lock’ with theendlessbookcase, a company also based in St Albans.  

Current writing project:

   I have just finished the second edition of my book for trainee/ early-career teachers called In the Zone (due out in April/ May 2020).

I am working towards the end of the sequel to Adam’s Lock, The Land Beyond the Seas, a draft of which I hope to have completed by about September 2020. 

Do you have a special place in which to write?

 I annoy the family by taking over the dining area.  

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

Join a group so that you can get the ‘professional’ feedback you need! It’s also very motivating to be around other writers from whom you can learn and gain valuable insights.   

Do you have favourite author or book? 

As part of my research on early nineteenth century Australia, I read Jack Serong’s ‘Preservation’. Fantastic!

I also love virtually everything I have read by Laurie Lee and George Orwell.

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

Profile:

   Most of my life I   have been an educationalist, having been Head Teacher/Principal/CEO of schools   in London and Dubai. The first murder mystery play I sold was in 1996.

I have been member of   Watford Writers since the spring of 2019. I made a positive start, winning   the first three Flash Fiction competitions. 

My main interest in writing is as a playwright. I have written a number of Murder Mystery plays   and my business, Murder Mystery Players,   has had nearly 2,000 performances of plays written by myself and my father,   mainly in schools for Parent Teacher Associations as part of their   fund-raising activities. I have had professional productions of my plays in   Dubai. I have written Murder Mystery plays, professionally, for one of the   major cruise lines, Fred Olsen. To date, I have had 19 murder mystery plays   performed for paying audiences.

I have written a   number of short plays for festivals in Dubai and London. I have received   awards for my scripts and as a director. I have been nominated for an award   as an actor. I wrote the play which opened the Emirates Festival of   Literature in 2014. I have written 14 short plays which have been seen by   paying audiences. My latest short play was performed as part of the Short and Sweet festival in Dubai in   February 2021. 

I am inspired by the   people that I meet, and always try to find the humour in any situation. I   have recently completed a book of short stories for younger secondary-age   students.

I am currently involved in a writing project for younger primary school children, which we   hope will culminate in publication.

I enjoy reading thrillers. 

Main writing interests:

 I am mainly a   playwright, but also a short story writer. Writing for young children is my   latest project.

I have written a   number of academic dissertations, having completed a dissertation for an M.A.   in the Teaching of English Language and Literature at The University of   London on the subject of the Hindu religious story, The Ramayana. 

I have written an   M.B.A. dissertation at the University of Hull on the subject of School   Leadership and Emotional Intelligence.

In September of 2021   I completed a dissertation on the subject of Head Teacher Well-being for an   M.Ed. degree at the University of Cambridge. 

In September 2021 I   embarked on a Master of Studies Writing   for Performance degree course at the University of Cambridge. This has   helped me look at genre that I had not been previously familiar with, such as   writing for radio and screenwriting. 

Coercive Control is   one of the subjects that I am currently writing about. 

Published / Self Published:

es. I began with a publisher in Croxley Green who printed my Murder Mystery plays for me before I distributed them. Now, they are usually sold by being downloaded.

I hope to have stories for children published later this year.  

Current writing project:

  1. My work for the M.St. degree at the University of Cambridge. I am currently writing a critical piece on the issue of collaboration between writers, directors and actors. I am also in the process of writing a comedic play which looks at the use of language by the different generations. 

2. I am continuing to co-write stories for young children.

3. I am revising my book of short stories for secondary-age students. 

4. I am using my dissertation on the subject of Head Teacher Well-being to write an academic article. 

5. I am contemplating writing a story for primary-aged children, based in Dubai, which will take the reader around the sites of the city, which was my home for seven years. 

Do you have a special place in which to write?

  My study at home.   

Do you have a preferred time of day for writing?

In the morning.

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

 I find that my short plays and short stories are inspired by a single idea which I then develop e.g. the car’s satnav comes alive. The Murder Mystery plays, being full length plays, require quite a high level of structure. They are planned in much greater detail than the short plays. 

 Have you been involved with any other writing activities?  

 I have run workshops on the subject of writing Murder Mystery plays for the Emirates Festival of Literature. I have also run workshops on the writing of short plays for Watford Writers and potential writers for the Short and Sweet Essex festival.

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

   I enjoy being   involved in acting and have done professional work as an actor, having appeared   in dramas on Syrian and UAE TV. Earlier in my life I was part of the   semi-professional acting group, Clogs   Mobile English Theatre, based in Malmo in southern Sweden. We took two   plays to the Edinburgh fringe festival in 1980, one of which I co-wrote.

I am a member of my   local squash club in Northwood. I enjoy the active and recreational aspects to   my membership there.

I am interested in   tracing my family tree, although finding time for this hobby is always an   issue. I am interested in how tracing one’s family tree opens a window into   the social history of the time.

I take an interest in   all sport and am a keen Evertonian, as is everyone in my family. I was   brought up in Runcorn on Merseyside and Northwich in central Cheshire; my   father was born and brought up in Liverpool. I often go to my local Premier   League Club (Coronavirus notwithstanding) to watch The Hornets buzz around   Vicarage Road.

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

I  have a website: murdermysteryplayers.co.uk

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

   Never give up! One of the biggest problems for any writer is that they can be over-critical, so that they are constantly altering what they do before completing the first draft. Just finish the first draft and focus on making corrections later.

It is always helpful to work with someone else, preferably a fellow-writer. Work with another/others to form a team. This will help you critique each other’s work, once you have written that first draft! 

Do you have favourite author or book? 

  Tom Sharpe’s stories about Wilt have always made me laugh.

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 I am the best part of the way through the first draft of a sequel. 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, one book published with TSL books under a pen name. Genre difficult to specify (could perhaps categorise it under Gnostic, Religious Sci Fi Urban Fantasy) with a sequel in progress and I am playing around with the concept of another couple of books. 

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 

Profile:

I joined Watford Writers: Summer 2019. Been writing for ten years on and off. Have finished a crime novel called ‘Cruel Deflections’ but not yet found a publisher.

Main writing interests:

 Novels and short stories. 

Published / Self Published:

    Not yet; but, have been involved with a Creative Writing course at West Herts College and seminar at CityLit. 

Current writing project:

  Rewriting my novel. 

Do you have a special place in which to write?

   My home office.

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

  Find your own style

Do you have favourite author or book? 

    My favourite book recently is 'A Gentleman in Moscow' by Amor Towles. Favourite authors include William Boyd, Sebastian Barry, Anne Enwright, Robert Harris, Philip Kerr, Donna Tartt, Rohinton Mistry, Martin Cruz Smith, Leila Slimani, Tim Winton, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Anthony Doerr, David Mitchell, Philip Meyer.

Profile:   

When I retired a couple of years ago, I realised that I missed writing copy, speeches, marketing literature and websites and editing. Always easier to edit other people’s work than create your own.

I joined Watford Writers in 2019 to learn from others. I have been inspired to start a work of fiction based on my experiences. It’s a work in progress and feedback and support from the group has been amazing and really encouraging.

Main writing interests:

A novelist although I would never refer to myself in that way – I am a writer. I love the challenges of the monthly flash fiction competitions.

Published / Self Published:

  Previous job roles had involved writing newspaper articles and columns on employment and skills. These were published weekly across a north London newspaper group.  

Current writing project:

A work of fiction without a title but based on my experiences in the diplomatic world in the 1990’s.

Do you have a special place in which to write?

  Somewhere quiet- just me and my laptop.  

 Do you have a preferred time of day for writing? 

I need to be motivated and have ideas so whenever the mood takes me.

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

I’m on Facebook but mainly to keep in touch with family and friends around the world.

Do you have other interests?

I sing in a choir when time allows but never solo unless in the shower.

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

 I never thought that “I had a book in me” It had never occurred to me that I could write fiction. But I’m loving it so my advice would be: Give it a go!  

Do you have favourite author or book? 

  Lee Child. He writes in short sentences which I love as it keeps the pace of his stories fast and compelling.

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 

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. 

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:

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.

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.

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.

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 recently turned to writing historical fiction and resumed writing poetry. 

Main writing interests:

Art; Astronomy; History; 

Historical Fiction; Poetry.

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. 

Current writing project:

   Writing my second novel; and editing a book of my poetry (I am hoping to raise funds for a local palliative care charity by publishing the slim poetry volume!).

Do you have a special place in which 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 (normally a Wednesday) to devote to writing.

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

www.ianwelland.co.uk

@AuthorWelland

I currently look after the Watford Writers website and Twitter account.

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; and the diaries of James Lees Milne.

Patrick Moore's extensive list of astronomy books from the 1970s are also favourites.

 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!). 

 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. 

 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? 

    No

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.