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.