Although born in the UK, and educated at Cambridge University, I embarked on a teaching career in California. Securing several promotions, and working in a variety of schools and settings, I became a headteacher in the UK. I currently live in London and am an educational consultant, supporting schools. Within my week, I carve out time for my writing.
Since childhood, my head has always been stuck in a book. To have books to read, we need writers. I promised myself that one day I would be part of the world that gives so many people so much pleasure and write a novel. Which brings me to where I am today.
I understand that this means learning, and have completed several writing courses, notably through Faber Academy and The Novelry, who I still work closely with. My writing is further advanced through mentorship and one-to-one professional advice. I belong to a writing group that sets monthly challenges. I have been recently buoyed by some successes in writing competitions. Winning my writing group's annual challenge and being shortlisted for a “Friday Night Live” competition, hosted by Jericho Writers, at their London Festival of Writing.
Writing means drawing on life experiences, all of which have helped grow my understanding of people. As well as my work in education, I am a qualified therapist and do volunteer support work for those in crisis. Plus, there is the myriad of life stuff thrown my way – marriage, motherhood (my two sons are now adults), divorce (a novel in itself), remarriage (to an English teacher who keeps me on my grammatical toes), and a stepmother. With my close-knit wider family, my guess is that I’m increasingly known as the matriarch. When the humans get too much, then being a grandma to a pug and a Rhodesian ridgeback, and walking with them in the woods, fits the bill.
