I am a novelist and short story writer. My novels and short stories have been published in print and on radio. Mostly writing for adults, about relationshsips I have recently written also for young people, taking on topics such as abuse, relationships with parents.
I have been running writing classes on the novel and memoir for many years. I love working with would-be writers and helping them to improve.
Even so I don’t believe people can be taught to write if they don’t have the talent, but even for the talented there are always things to learn. A talented opera singer has to have voice and breathing training throughout their career.
Some of my students have had their books published, which is a great thrill,, others just enjoy the process. Many who are writing memoirs want to do it only for their families and these workshops keep them going.
Because the government has slashed the funding for Adult Community Education I will be doing more private work in 2010. Look under Writing Workshops for further information.
Writing is hard work. Talent is not enough! You have to persevere. I spend hours every day at my computer. As a tutor I cannot give my students the miracle answer (though I think many expect it).
I love creating worlds and people I believe in. In a way writing is like acting, you become your characters. I am no longer me. I can experience all sorts of things that Frances has never experienced and probably never will.
