About the author
I was nine years old – and an avid bookworm – when I decided I was going to be a writer ‘when I grew up.’ By 17, I thought journalism would be my direction but was told I was always the last person to hear the gossip and that I wasn’t hard enough to be a hack!
So, instead, I opted for teachers’ training college with English – of course – as my special subject, and really enjoyed my years in school. In my mid-forties I expanded my horizons by studying for a degree and after graduating returned to teaching, this time with A-level students and mature students at evening classes.
So what happened to my childhood ambition to become a writer? Partly, just the pace and busyness of life, running a home and family as well as my teaching career.
Partly also, the nature of my subject. Although I was always ‘scribbling,’ teaching the greats in literature – from Chaucer through Shakespeare; through Dickens to Ted Hughes – it was a bit daunting to think of producing a book myself. How could I compete?
On retirement, I turned to studying again – more writing – and ended up with a Masters degree. But it was later, joining a Writers Group in Barnstaple, which proved to be the turning-point for me. The Library ran a Crime Fiction Workshop for a day – and I was hooked. My first idea for a mystery novel was born.
Evolving from this first Workshop, the Library introduced an inspirational Creative Writing group which keeps its would-be writers sharp and focused, well mostly! We share our writing triumphs and disasters and give support and encouragement, but critique each other’s efforts too.
So what happened to the fear of competing with ‘the greats’? Well, the older I’ve got, the more I have realised that what most people enjoy reading is a well-written story, an intriguing tale, with believable and interesting characters. A setting in one’s own area can add a special interest.
And these ingredients are the ones I have aimed for when writing my novels.
By the way, I intended just to write a trilogy based on N. Devon but I already have ideas for number 4 - a quartet . . .?
And I would welcome your feedback on any of my books you have read.