I am a writer, living in the Surrey area of England. I am currently writing my debut crime novel which I am aiming to get published. This is my main writing project. I also write:
short stories; flash fiction; some poetry.
Since childhood I have been passionate about writing, and about the ability of language to express, evoke and transport.
I enjoy writing more than anything else; I believe that my energy, spirit, curiosity and imagination come across in my work, and this is something which people regularly comment on when they read or hear my pieces. I am genuinely thrilled when people enjoy reading my work as much as I enjoy writing it, as it makes the whole endeavour doubley worthwhile.
I originally studied undergraduate French and German in London. After I completed that, I went into business. I then gained a degree in Psychology as a mature student, and started a successful ten year career, teaching A-level Psychology. Whilst teaching, I obtained a postgraduate degree in learning. It is no coincidence that it was a fascination with human nature which took me into studying Psychology, and it is the same curiosity which drives and informs my writing. I have now left teaching to dedicate myself to writing and to getting my novel published.
My writing is very psychological, in the broadest possible sense of the word. What I enjoy most when I write is to explore why people are the way they are: why they think, feel and behave the way they do. After all, human beings are all motivated by very similar wants and needs, but the way in which each person goes about achieving those things is subtley unique. Similarly, life experiences affect each person differently. I am fascinated by 'ordinary', 'normal' people and by the secrets that so often lurk within their lives and their outward personas. When they commit crimes I am interested in exploring their life trajectory and choices. Similarly, when people become psychopaths, serial killers, abusers, addicts, depressives - whatever - there are always complex reasons why. Basically, I enjoy writing about life in all its complexity, and what it is to be human.
Writing is not a new thing for me. Since I was a child I've written stories and zillions of unsent letters. As an adult, I've continued to write short stories but always yearned to write a novel. Having studied a lot, and felt the pressure of "use your education" and "get a proper job", I did. Whilst I loved - and still do - my subject (Psychology), I longed to escape from my "proper job" and to do what I've always wanted to do: be a writer. Okay, so it's taken a while, but I am full of creative ideas and am determined to make a success of it.
As publishing is very different now from what it was ten years ago, I am interested in how modern technology can help to make my work accessible to my readers around the world. Whilst I think that people - myself included - still like to hold a book or magazine in their hand, I believe that the digital age represents an exciting opportunity for writers via the immediacy and interactivity that it offers. I have plenty of marketing ideas which involve cutting edge technology, and therefore consider that I have a lot to 'bring to the table' for a publishing partner. I am blessed with plenty of energy. I have always been good at spotting opportunities, and I don't hang about: I'll just get straight on with it.
I have a keen business sense, and recognise the need for authors to be credible, viable, marketable propositions with the potential for creative longevity. I understand also that it is important to keep abreast of and respond to changes in the market, and to have more than one string to one's bow. I write various blogs, and run a successful writing group locally.
I will be studying for an MA Creative Writing at Kingston University from September 2012.
I look forward to hearing from anybody who is interested in my work.
