ABOUT

This site is a little about me and my latest book.

I began writing in my teens, mainly poetry. In my twenties I focused on writing songs, some of which
were my poems set to music. However, amateur dramatics became my favoured outlet for creative
expression. Perhaps if this had not been in the pre-digital age the song writing would have been more
prominent, but I am proud of having been asked to perform 3 of my songs at an International
Women’s Day concert.

When motherhood started to take over most of my non-working time I returned to writing. A couple of
novels were begun but ended up in a wastepaper bin. Detailed holiday journals were, (and remain) a
fun way to use the written word. Some years ago I attended a creative writing workshop facilitated by
a prolific, published author. I learned a great deal, but not enough to prevent me making mistakes
when I came to self-publish (under a pseudonym,) a book of short stories in 2019. Two of the main
lessons? An author needs to re-draft, re-draft, re-draft, re-draft…and even then will remain
dissatisfied. In addition an author is always up too close to their work and should seek at the very
least, copy editing. Well, I have always learned more from my mistakes!

Thistle in the Long Grass has emerged like a cake baked in an oven. Its ingredients were added from
a variety of sources i.e. my diverse work experience, much of which was supporting adults and
teenagers who were challenged by life; my interest in social history - I love reading books that cast
light on how people live or have lived, day to day. On one of my ‘days’ I realised that I am now a living
example of social history. Stories such as those of my main characters, can transport us back many
years, like a virtual time-machine. And Thistle herself? She sprung from my contemplation of a thistle
flower; a beautiful bloom but protected by sharp barbs and prickly leaves. This image inspired my
imagination, which was drawn into a world of fictional constructs. Certain genus of thistle can be
found in long grass. The long grass of this story changes shape, and by the final chapter blows in an
unexpected direction. This was a natural occurrence of stirring all the ingredients together and
allowing them cooking time.

My hope is that you will savour and enjoy the cake I set before you.

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A personal detail: I spent my first 38 years in Southampton. Since then I have lived in south Devon. 

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