I live in the countryside just outside Oxford, with two great kids and my husband, who is also my best friend. We share our home with one vicious rabbit that chases you around the garden trying to to bite your ankles while you fend it off with a dustbin lid, his charming fluffy brother and two fat guinea pigs.
I’ve written for as long as I can remember and I write every day. I spent ten years as a journalist, including five years editing New Internationalist magazine, where I wrote on a whole range of subjects from Biotechnology and Debt to the Palestine/Israel Question and Children.
I’ve had a short story published in an anthology and won a couple of poetry competitions. I also wrote a book called ‘The Pilgrim’s Cat’, aimed at 8 to 10 year-olds, which was long-listed for the Brit Writers’ Awards. I used the characters from this for my second novel, Black Water, aimed at Young Adults, for which I am currently seeking representation.
Most of my spare time is spent in child or writing-related activities. I’m already embroiled writing my next book, about time-travelling children. I run the 82YA Oxford SCBWI writing group and belong to the Muddlegraders ecrit group, as well as being an occasional member of Abingdon Writers’ group.
Time travelling children sounds like a great idea for a novel. Lots of opportunity for different sorts of adventure and fresh characters. What sort of portal are you going to have?
A very unexpected one! Thanks for the comment Margaret. Cordelia
Dear Cordelia,
I’m not contacting you because of the obvious ‘cord’ between us. This is just a step up from a tweet really. I think we’re both Left and it would be good to be in touch, if only fleetingly/occasionally.
I will definitely look into your books. I’m a creaking, semi-retired journalist who received a few awards, one for a terrific community campaign if I say so myself. I wrote (with the help of a singer-songwriter) a musical/cabaret about George Orwell (are you a fan?) and I’m very pleased with a short comedy drama called ‘Dictaphone’ that will be showcased at Greenwich Theatre next year.
Just nice to be in touch really. Hope you’re well.
Best wishes,
Peter
Hi Peter,
Thank you for contacting me in and I’m so sorry I haven’t replied before but my website has been down and I’ve only just seen your message. Yes it would be great to be in touch.
Unfortunately my books haven’t been published. I am currently working on a book of short stories for adults. I send you my best wishes. Cordelia