Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a 55 year old mother and grandmother. I work as a teacher in a primary school and have been in education for more than 20 years. I was a headteacher and advisory headteacher but decided to go back into the classroom to work directly with children.
My eldest daughter died at the age of 25 from SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy). She was 7 months pregnant so we lost both her and her baby boy.
This is the first book I have written and it has taken me 13 years to find the courage to do so.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is called Through Plate Glass. It is a collection of poems, straight from the heart, about how my life changed from the day before Sam’s death to now. The title comes from the fact that, when you lose a child, you look at the world, and everything around you, in a different way. Life carries on but you are looking at it as if Through Plate Glass.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I write when I feel emotionally able and ask for memories from friends and families so that I can include them in my poetry.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the romantic poets but I am an avid reader of thrillers, which have nothing at all to do with influencing my writing.
What are you working on now?
I am continuing to write more poems about Sam’s life rather than the experience since her death. She was so full of life and fun that it seems a shame to not write about her antics.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As this is all new to me, I have self-published and have used the KDP site. I have promoted on Facebook and Twitter and most of the epilepsy sites have taken the story for their websites. I have been on local radio and local newspapers have covered the story.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up on your dream. I wanted to publish my poetry as I want to raise awareness and also I want as many people as possible to know Samantha. I was offered publishing contracts from three companies who all wanted money from me to publish. My naivety could have led me to make a serious mistake. I decided I wasn’t going to let this stop me from publishing my book, so did it myself.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” by Thomas Edison
What are you reading now?
I’m reading a couple of children’s books in preparation for next term.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I aim to continue to promote my book and to write a new collection of poetry.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Salem’s Lot by Stephen King
The Lord of the Rings trilogy
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