A new chapter begins...

After 35 years on the writer's journey, I'm ready for new adventures.

Hi, I'm Carol, and I'm a writer living in the beautiful shire of north west England in the UK. Welcome to Letters of Insight where I share reflections about my writing and passion for creativity, nature, books, and slow, joyful living. ♡

The story so far...

My professional writing journey began in the early 1980s, just a few years after leaving school. Inspired by a love of stories and their power to change lives in a positive way, I began this long and curious pre-occupation with words, dividing my time between writing fiction and non-fiction.

When I started out, the old-fashioned typewriter was still the main tool for most authors. Articles, stories and books were duly committed to paper and submitted to magazine editors and publishers via the postal system. Often, it would take many weeks to gain a reply. Back then, patience was a necessary virtue.

I soon acquired my very first computer, and so began my voyage into the World Wide Web. This opened up many opportunities, and everything I needed to evolve as a writer was at my fingertips.

It was such a wonderful and expansive time between the late 1980s and early 2000. Internet start-ups and entrepreneurs needed writers, and I was able to pick and choose lucrative writing projects and commissions. Back then, this suited me well as a mum bringing up my two children, and the writing fitted in nicely with my other interests in holistic well-being, martial arts, and film. Life was incredibly busy but deeply enriching on many levels.

Over the years, I've written features, short stories, poetry, film scripts, courses, zines, and books. My writing has been widely published (traditionally and independently) and broadcast in a variety of ways. This experience enabled me to support other writers on their journeys.

From early 2000, I was writing poetry and short stories while exploring art and other creative disciplines. I knew that at some point I would write a novel. The opportunity to do this arrived in 2009, when I was accepted onto the MA Professional Writing course at Falmouth University. With the guidance and support of wonderful tutors and peers, I graduated with distinction in 2011. I also achieved my goal of writing my debut novel.

Light Weaver was published in 2012. Despite writing the novel during the busiest years of my life, I somehow managed to create a story that has resonated deeply with its readers.

The plan was to begin another novel shortly after Light Weaver but way led to way, and I found myself going down various rabbit holes concerning the nature of reality and other intriguing stuff. Meanwhile that strange and persistent concept that is time kept on ticking…

I continued writing (mostly magazine features) and provided writing related services while embarking on smaller publishing projects. And I did begin the next novel, which happened to morph into two different stories. That can happen sometimes. Both of these tales have been placed on hold, and I might return to one of them at some point.

After navigating the strangest times on earth, here we are, in 2023. There are new challenges for writers and artists, and trying to make a living from one's art is even more precarious than it's ever been. But there are stories to be told... deeply imagined stories full of heart and soul. And that is why I'm here.

I’m feeling more focused, motivated and inspired, and I’m ready for the next chapter. I have a new story brewing nicely, and new adventures ahead. I do hope you'll feel inspired to join me for the journey.

Love,

Carol xxx

PS If you’re on YouTube, please subscribe to my refreshed video channel.

---

Thank you for reading. I'm so grateful for your interest and support, and my wish is that you'll enjoy and find value in the stories I share. ♡