I started writing recently as I wanted to make my mother immortal in a book. She passed away in 2021 at the age of 93, and I started to write a memoir of her life. She came to England from Ireland in 1947 to train as a nurse. That much is true, but then I added a fictional illegitimate child, a mysterious patient and then the book took on a life of its own, becoming a supernatural thriller. It's difficult to know what she would think of the book, but I know she would be impressed I actually sat down and completed two books, with a third on the way. I also won an award for each book, the International Firebird Award for Short Stories for The Sisterhood, and Literary Titan's Silver Award for Guilt.

I can hear how now saying, "Well done, darling. I'm proud of you." She was my rock but at times feisty, funny but always honest.

What made me think I could write a book at all? After all, I have no literary experience as such (unless you count A Level English), but I had my own recruitment and HR consultancy for many years, so writing reports and business letters comes easily to me. I also worked in the City as a Credit & Political Risks Lloyd's Broker, and had articles published in Post Magazine, the trade press at the time.

But honestly, I just felt driven to do it. I believe anyone can do it. As long as you make sure you get the right support with an editor, a proof-reader, help with the cover design etc. why not? I didn't wish to go the traditional publishing route, as I am impatient, and wanted to get the stories out there, but also I like to paddle my own canoe. Is that someone who is controlling? Maybe, but it felt the right pathway for me.

In fact, if anyone out there wants advice on self-publishing (trust me, it's not easy), then I'm more than happy to explain my own experience of it. Just email info@maisiemoonbooks.com.

With regards to support. I have a family. A husband, two grown up daughters, two huskies and a tabby cat. Currently residing in leafy Surrey in the UK.