I never set out to be a writer. My journey began after I left the theatre industry, where I had spent 15 years working backstage in technical theatre. Changing careers gave me more time with my family, and I started renovating houses. One day, a simple phrase popped into my head: “The rain fell against the window pane” I needed a creative outlet, and that was the moment the world of Tellus was born.
From Hobby to Career
I started writing in 2014 as a hobby. It was something I enjoyed, but I wasn’t serious about it. That changed in 2019 when I was diagnosed with ME. The news was unexpected, but it explained a lot of struggles I had faced over the years. My doctor advised me to stop working in physically demanding jobs, which was difficult to accept. Writing became my way forward. It gave me purpose and was also a way to process everything I was going through.
Writing Fantasy for Everyone
I write fantasy books, but I believe stories should be accessible to all readers, even those who don’t usually read the genre. My audience ranges from 10-year-olds to readers in their late 80s. With every book, I aim to improve. Writing is a learning process, and that’s part of what makes it exciting.
The Challenges of Self-Publishing
Being a self-published author isn’t easy. There’s a stigma attached to it, and some readers and traditional publishers look down on indie authors. That’s why I ensure my books go through the same professional process—editing, proofreading, and everything in between—all funded by myself. The hardest part is finding the time and resources to make it happen. Writing takes time, especially while balancing other work to pay the bills. Then comes the nerve-wracking moment of release, not knowing how a book will be received.
When I told people I wanted to publish, most thought I was mad. But I followed my dream. In 2021, I released Firestone, and the response was better than I could have imagined.
The Joy of Writing
I love escaping to a different world and seeing where my characters take me. As a plantser, I set key way markers in my plot but let the rest unfold naturally. This approach keeps the process exciting and unpredictable, even for me.
How Writing Has Changed Me
Writing has taught me resilience. People will always judge, but I’ve learned not to take criticism personally. Instead, I use it to improve. I’ve also pushed myself in ways I never expected. Public speaking was something I used to avoid, but now I find myself stepping up and growing more confident with each talk.
Advice for New Writers
If you want to write, do it. Don’t let anyone put you off. Get your story down first, don’t try to edit as you go. Writing a book takes time, effort, and dedication, but the moment you hold your finished book in your hands makes it all worth it.