I have tried various art forms over the years, such as song writing, poetry, amateur dramatics, pottery, water colours and abstract acrylics, but it is writing where I feel the greatest enjoyment, mainly for its freedom of expression and the unfettered opportunity to explore one’s imagination. The great reward from writing for me is in two parts. Firstly, to examine the dynamics of a situation or character and explore one’s own feelings and values. Secondly, to publish your writing and hear others opinions of what you have written, hoping, of course, that it leads to a further richness of self-knowledge.
I began my first story at the age of 10, complete with illustrations and, although unfinished, it is fun to read later on in life. I dabbled in other short stories at college but none were ever made ready for publishing.
Influences: When I was young it was all Swallows and Amazons, and Barba the Elephant. The big one, was Watership Down, which I read 6 times. Then I got deep and meaningful at university and read Ian McEwan, great name! And then with even more seriousness I read Milan Kundera. But now I like to get tucked up with a good Margaret Atwood and just recently I was really impressed with The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. For the book I am writing at the moment I read a lot of Morpurgo and have just finished Paper Towns by John Green.
For those of you wishing to see me doing something book related, here is my hand holding my book!
