I always think that a good test of an enjoyable occasion is how quickly the time appears to pass and last night whizzed by in a jiffy!
Carmen Reid took us on a fascinating journey from her childhood aspirations, via cringe-worthy teenage diaries, through her early journalism, at the Montrose Review, before she headed south and ended up as a rather unhappy journalist with THE NEWS OF THE WORLD. At this point she demonstrated to us how it is possible to turn a negative into a positive, when she talked about taking a leap of faith, when she handed in her resignation and began a new chapter in her life, filling it with motherhood and the tentative launch of a career as a novelist.
I am sure I speak for everyone when I say that we sat captivated by her tales of the rollercoaster that is the life of a professional writer. She was fascinating, encouraging and realistic as she shared the details of her low points and triumphs, from the tricks she uses when researching (who would have guessed Google, Down Your Street could prove such a handy tool for a writer!) to her strict routine which helps her to focus and concentrate.
With about a dozen novels now published, a successful series for teenage girls, Kindle publications and great anecdotes about celebrity interviews, Carmen provided us with an inspiring and challenging role model.
I’m off to study her website for more tips!
Carolyn O’Hara