What do you write? Why this in
particular?
As a child I began writing short
stories and poetry. I still have the exercise book full of poems and funny
pictures and then there is the collection of printed and hand-written sheets
written in moments of inspiration. Even then the writer’s midnight thirst woke
me from slumber to scribe my work.
Through the years I have written
non-fiction to document parts of my life and learning. Then with my Missy Dog
series which had been an idea for some time I launched my charity books. These
delve into the world of historical fiction woven into the real lives of living
creatures through dreams.
I write horror too and have one novel
to seek publishing and an idea for a sequel which it opens itself up to. Then my
Mum series of short stories tells her precious life story through the eyes of a
child carer.
Writing is a way to educate and help
people through stories and experience. I like to include morals in my fiction
and inspiration in my non-fiction. It gives me a sense of purpose and stories
are fun to write.
What do you write? Why this in
particular?
As a child I began writing short
stories and poetry. I still have the exercise book full of poems and funny
pictures and then there is the collection of printed and hand-written sheets
written in moments of inspiration. Even then the writer’s midnight thirst woke
me from slumber to scribe my work.
Through the years I have written
non-fiction to document parts of my life and learning. Then with my Missy Dog
series which had been an idea for some time I launched my charity books. These
delve into the world of historical fiction woven into the real lives of living
creatures through dreams.
I write horror too and have one novel
to seek publishing and an idea for a sequel which it opens itself up to. Then my
Mum series of short stories tells her precious life story through the eyes of a
child carer.
Writing is a way to educate and help
people through stories and experience. I like to include morals in my fiction
and inspiration in my non-fiction. It gives me a sense of purpose and stories
are fun to write.
What got you started on writing in the first
place?
My Mum started my writing passion.
She taught me to read and write by the age of three through long sessions at the
library sat on shallow boxes full of books where we searched for the next unread
Dr Seuss. It was at this age that I declared that I would like to be an author
when I grew up and it remained a dream until my thirties. I still can’t believe
I actually reached through life to grasp it.
She always encouraged me to read and
look up words I didn’t know in the dictionary or thesaurus. This inspired my
love of words and I still, even now, run through the alphabet in my head when
rhyming and search for a different way to express a line.
Then school and my English teachers
always supported me. They saw something in my writing and urged me not to
stop.
So, I taught myself to touch-type on
an electric typewriter (before computers were readily available) and wrote my
first novel about a dog aged 10-12. I still aim to resurrect this as it echoes
my Missy Dog series ideas and would be interesting to look back at now.
Submissions to publishers came next using the yearbook and handwriting cover
letters. All, of course, were rejections but it gave me a valuable insight in
determination.
After A-levels I burned out my
writing mojo for some years. The thorough criticism of texts gave me an overdose
of why and not enough ‘just so’. I continued to write poetry and some stories
but didn’t return seriously to writing until after bereavement. It was finding
peace with life’s experience which settled me back into ambition but with a new
purpose and my inner child’s simple understanding which I gained
back.
Do you have a particular routine?
My routine consists of slow progress
because of my health and disability. But, it works, probably even better than
when I was more able to multi-task. Simple diary actions are written on days and
then crossed out and reallocated if I can’t make it happen. Eventually they get
done with all of the other things I do.
I try to do a little each day I am
able to and don’t feel guilty if I can’t. It has taken me a long time to learn
to pace myself and accept my illness but now it is just my
routine.
Do you have a dedicated working
space?
I generally work where I am
comfortable and that is with my legs up. So, my sofa becomes my working space.
But, I also have an outside shed where I can write, my garden and my upstairs
craft room.
When did you decide you could call yourself a writer? Do you
do that in fact?
After my self-published first Missy
Dog book. Some people argue that you’re not a writer or author until you’re
earning enough to make a living from your work. I disagree. If you write
consistently and put yourself out there online, through blogs, self-publish,
publish traditionally or write for yourself you’re a writer. It’s the same way
you’re a walker if you walk.
What are you most proud of in your
writing?
I love creating the whole book with
writing, illustrations and cover design. Hearing reviews from readers when they
say they have enjoyed my work means the world.
How do you get on with editing and
research?
Having trained in the printing
industry years ago I learned editing, proof-reading and graphic design so I
enjoy using these skills in my work. Research has been an enjoyable experience
with historical fiction. I need to submerge myself in the world of my story so
visiting museums and places I write about is essential to make it come to life.
Then documenting all of these resources in references is hugely
important.
Editing other author’s work for Gill
James gives me huge satisfaction as I to-and-fro with the writer. It opens my
eyes to writing from a different perspective. I ran a local writing group for a
while too where we explored writing but unfortunately I couldn’t continue due to
health. Working freelance and ad-lib is best for me to juggle around pain and
fatigue.
Do you have any goals for the
future?
To continue my Missy Dog series for
other non-profit work and to write more for myself to seek publishers. The main
aim though is to continue to write.
My latest work is Croc-a-beest: https://www.consciouscrafties.com/handmade-gifts/croc-a-beest-story-book-all-ages-illustrated-and-original-moral-story/
My Go Fund Me
campaign supports good causes through my Missy Dog Books. I donate the writing,
art, design and illustrations, friends support me with their time,
proof-reading, editing, layout and more, but printing is an expense. Please
support the creation of a book as a book is for life and supports a charity
forever.
https://uk.gofundme.com/missy-dog-books-for-good-causes
Books are
available from the links below through Missy’s Matters and through Kindle.
Please follow me through my profile and social media channels to keep up to date
with my work. Thank you!
