My Books

Current Writing

When I’m not copy-editing and proofreading other writers’ words, I love to write my own.

I’ve learned that turning up consistently and with perseverance is the key to writing.

And so, I’m delighted to announce that my first novel – A Missing Mother – is now available at https://store.bookbaby.com/book/a-missing-mother   or get it from Amazon.

The story is set in 1943 and 2000 and is Marianne’s story of missing her mother Valerie. It is told through childhood eyes. Then years later when her Grandma Winnie passes away a mystery comes to light with a previously unseen photograph…was Valerie who Marianne thought she was?

It’s an uplifting tale of the resilience, bravery and courage of three generations of women.

Research is now well under way for a second, follow up book – A Missing Childhood. Publication is planned for late 2021/early 2022 (Sign Up below to receive regular email updates about my progress). This is a fictional account of Connie, a young girl whose mother survives the war until early 1945 but tragically doesn’t live to see peace. Her world is turned upside down as her life is set on a path full of tough experiences she could not have dreamed of.

It is a story of hardship and loneliness set in South Shields and Stocksfield in the North East. Ultimately loyalty and family connection prevails.

Childhood loss of a parent

While both stories are set in fiction they are based on the true events, experiences and feelings of children who grew up without their mother. The mothers in both stories died far too young and the impact shaped the daughters they left behind.

It is currently estimated that 1 in 29 children between 5-16 years has been bereaved of a parent or sibling. Today there is support readily available for these children. This was not the case for Marianne and Connie in my books…