industry had moved on and besides, I had no desire to face the daily commute and office politics. Then there was the never-ending cycle of washing, cleaning and cooking. The need to be around when the children came home from school, to read them bedtime stories and navigate the murky waters of PTA meetings, sports days and summer fairs. But I wanted more.
So I wrote. Books and stories have been my passion for as long as I can remember - I wrote my first book when I was 12 years old. My first attempt was rejected by every single agent I sent it to, but the limited feedback I got told me that the writing was good, that I should try again. So I did. That one was rejected too and whilst I knew I was doing something wrong, I just didn’t have a clue what that was.
I stumbled across an article about a course run by the Professional Writing Academy. It was online, which meant I could fit it in around the children, and only four weeks, so I figured that if I didn’t like it or find it worthwhile then it wouldn’t be too much time wasted. In that month, not only did I discover the lead character of my next book, but also a trusted friend and a
wonderful tutor who have encouraged me every step of the way. I went on to do another online course with Faber Academy, which resulted in my debut novel that was released at the end of March.
Having children changes everything, not least your desire as a parent to give them the world. I want both my children to believe that anything is possible, as long as they’re willing to work hard and never give up. To them I am now not only a mother, but also, I hope, inspiration for them to pursue whatever it is that they want most of all.
'The Girl in the Shadows', by Katherine Debona, is available on Amazon.
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