Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello, I am Freya Barrington. I have written one book to date.
I grew up in Lancashire, England with an overriding passion for animals, specifically horses. After attending a girl’s grammar school, where English was my strongest subject, the only desire I held was to work with my beloved horses. To the dismay of my parents, I went to work in a racing yard.
Realising that this was not a passing phase, my parents eventually encouraged me in my chosen career and I went on to work with event horses, show jumpers and hunters, gaining several British Horse Society qualifications along the way – namely, the BHSAI, BHSII and BHSI (SM). All this enabled me to work as a riding instructress and trainer, which I did on a freelance basis. I continued working in the equestrian field for many years, eventually running my own yard.
A chance conversation with a friend, however, brought about a change of career and I moved away from my life with horses, into the unknown world of residential childcare. To my surprise, I found that I enjoyed this line of work and progressed to being a full-time foster carer for the local authority. It was during this time that I first put pen to paper in a creative way, writing poems about the children with whom I came into contact. A short book of poetry was published and the proceeds were used to raise money for a local youth group.
It was also during my time as a foster carer that I came into contact with social workers. Their dedication and expertise inspired me to train as a social worker, gaining the Diploma in Social Work in 2001 from the University of Derby with an award for excellence in practice. I also gained the Post-Qualifying Award in 2007. I am a registered member in good standing with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
My main area of expertise was as a senior child protection social worker. I have been the principal social worker and mentor on a number of teams. I have also worked as a foster carer’s support social worker, a court advisor and hospital social worker. Since 2006, I have worked exclusively as an agency social worker, with specific focus on working for local authorities that require experienced social workers to offer support where there were staff shortages.
In 2010, I moved with my husband, Steve, to the island of Gozo in the Maltese Islands. I continued working in England as an agency social worker, flying back and forth on a fortnightly basis. This attracted comments from colleagues who said that they would never again complain about their commute to work! It was during this particular time that the idea for the book starting taking shape, so with the full support of my husband, I took a year’s sabbatical to concentrate on writing the book.
I continue to live in Gozo with my husband, but have plans to travel around Europe, looking for a peaceful spot to continue writing the sequel to Known to Social Services.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is called, Known to Social Services. It is published by Faraxa Books and was released on 26th February. I am thrilled to report that it is currently the number one social work book on Amazon UK.
My job as a child protection social worker was the inspiration for my writing, along with my husband who is so encouraging. Social work is one of the most negatively portrayed professions, and I wanted to raise awareness of the very complex and difficult job, which social workers do.
All those who aspire to make social work their chosen profession need a solid foundation of skills, knowledge, and experience. This is born out of evidence-based research coupled with practical expertise. Students will read countless texts, journals and books, all of which will add to their proficiency and understanding. Within this theoretical learning process, I believe that students also need to develop their emotional intelligence; gathering information from their peers who have gone before them and who can offer a rich insight into the role they strive to achieve. I believe that this book can offer a valuable addition to any reading undertaken by students of social work, psychology and any of the caring professions.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to do most of my writing between midnight and 6.00 am. I find that there are no distractions at this time, and it is quiet and peaceful.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been personally influenced by American author James Morgan Ayres whose support and encouragement have been invaluable. Books by Torey Hayden have also been inspirational.
What are you working on now?
I am working on the sequel to Known to Social Services. The book is mainly set outside the UK, but I’m not going to give too much away at this stage!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have been extremely fortunate in securing the support of Faraxa Publishing without the use of a literary agent. I have worked extremely hard alongside Faraxa, in promoting my own work. A Goodreads profile was essential, as was a Facebook Page, Twitter account, personal blog, Smashwords, Flickr, Pinterest and an Amazon Author’s profile.
I find that I use Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter and my personal blog more than any other medium.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
It has been said so many times, but …. never give up.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Have faith in your own ability and accept that everyone is entitled to their opinion.
What are you reading now?
I have just finished reading Dan Brown’s Digital Fortress. I haven’t decided what to read next.
What’s next for you as a writer?
This is an exciting and busy time for me. My husband and I are off to the UK next week on a week of book promotion. I have 2 radio interviews and 3 speaking engagements and book signings at Universities so far.
We leave Gozo at the end of April to do some traveling in France and also to find a quiet spot to write the sequel to Known to Social Services.
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?
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy – my all time favourite book
When the Lion Feeds by Wilbur Smith – my oldest favourite for regular visits
Wideacre by Phillipa Gregory – a book I most recently enjoyed and would like to read again
The Tent the Bucket and Me by Emma Kennedy – the funniest book I have ever read
Author Websites and Profiles
Freya Barrington Website
Freya Barrington Amazon Profile
Freya Barrington Author Profile on Smashwords
Freya Barrington’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account