How I Write
16 April 2008
How did you become a writer?
I didn’t set out to become a writer, but when I was healed of the illness ME, I sensed that God was calling me to write a book about my experience that would help other sufferers. I believe God even gave me the title Can God Help ME?. This book began as a dissertation for my Masters degree in 1994, but I later re-wrote it for publication in 1999.
How many publications have you written and over what time scale?
Ten books and four CDs. I was first published in 1999, so that’s quite a lot of publications in ten years.
What motivates you to write?
It’s a very strong calling that I believe is from God and I take that call very seriously. I know from the incredible feedback I get, that my publications really do make a difference to people’s lives and it is such a privilege to serve people in this way.
Why do you produce such a variety of publications?
I enjoy variety and the opportunity to write and communicate in different ways. I’ve also sought to help people who were suffering through illness etc and so have produced therapeutic materials for sufferers on CD. My CDs A Quiet Place, Out of the Depths, and The Celtic Heart have helped those suffering with a whole range of illnesses.
Where do you get your ideas from?
Anywhere – TV, newspapers, magazines, creation etc. Sometimes ideas come directly from readers too. I think it is important to listen and respond to what people want. Many ME (CFS) sufferers told me that they were too ill to attend one of my ME retreats and so I decided to script and voice the relaxation and meditations from those retreats to music. This publication began as an audio tape Come & Rest and is now the CD A Quiet Place and has also helped cancer patients and insomniacs.
How do you get your ideas down?
I scribble ideas down any time and anywhere. I’ve even been known to write on the back of chocolate wrappers, receipts and even tissues when desperate for paper. However, I rarely have pen and paper with me when I really need it, so usually have to beg and borrow.
Which of your books was easiest to write?
The CDs!!!
How much do you edit?
You can never do enough editing – that’s what makes good writing. Even my gift books of around 4,000 words will go through 40 drafts.
Where do you work?
I don’t have a shed down the garden like some writers – my garden isn’t big enough! I often write in bed using my laptop and sometimes take my work to the gym or to the the cafe at my old uninversity, for a change of scenery. I also go to the convent to write or away to a beautiful location like the Lake District. Much of my poetry is written on location. Some of the prayers and poems in my next book ‘Celtic Treasure’ were written on location in Lindisfarne, the Lake Diistrict and Lee Abbey, Devon.
Why do you perform your work?
Because I’m a performing artist. I was a performer before I became a writer so it seems logical to me to want to make my words come off the page and live. Performing and broadcasting my work, allows me to reach a wider readership and often a whole new audience. Flautist Simeon Wood and I have performed The Celtic Heart Concert live in concert for the last 4 years even performing at the Edinburgh Fringe. I’m currently touring with my new one-woman show Licensed to Chill, which is a chilled out mix of performance poetry and meditation gently stirred with a dash of humour.
Do you ever get writer’s block?
No – but I do find it hard to write when I’m over tired. My problem is the reverse, I have so many ideas that I can’t keep up with them and if I’m not careful they pull me in all directions and wear me out!
Are you published in the US?
Yes my book Into God’s Presence – Listening to God through prayer and meditation is published in the US by Zondervan (part of HarperCollins). My next gift book ‘Celtic Treasure’ will be published in the US from September 09. I’ve been on TV in the US too (see my YouTube videos) and have taught on faculty at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference.
What are you currently working on?
My next book aims to help busy people make time and space for God in their busy schedules. This book proposal is currently with my US agent at Alive Communications. I’ve not worked with an agent before, so it all feels a bit new and scary. But it feels like the right way forward, especially as I am now writing for the USA and not just the UK.
Why do you write poetry?
Poetry is the only way I can make sense of the world sometimes. It’s such a rich form of expression and very satisfying. Some of my poetry is written out or inspiration and some out of irritation, so it’s also stress-busting! I’m especially enjoying writing comical poetry at the moment, which I’m performing in my one-woman show Licensed to Chill – I’ve even written a poem about wishing I was the domestic goddess Nigella Lawson! There’s also a poem on women vicars.
What qualities do you need to be a successful writer?
You need talent, skill, originality, resilience, a sense of humour and perseverance. You need to be like a dog with a bone and not stop writing however hard it gets. Writing is also very badly paid and is certainly not a route to fame. Most writers are anonymous and most don’t make a living out of their writing. The average author earns just £5000 a year. Plus you need to be prepared to lose money. Writers don’t write for money or fame; they write because they absolutely have to communicate. Writers write!
What advice would you give anyone who wants to write?
Attend writing courses to develop and hone your writing skills. Join a writing group and let your friends and colleagues read and critique your work. Keep reading and writing and keep up to date with what books are selling where. Writing involves a lot of sacrifice in time and money, and many people aren’t willing to pay the price.
What is the worst and best thing about being a writer?
Writing never leaves you alone. It’s like a bug that is always with you. When you’re not worrying about a deadline, you’re worrying about not being on a deadline! Then you worry about whether what you’ve written is any good or if anyone will like it. You worry if it will get enough sales to keep it on the shelves after such an investment of time and effort. Then there are times when you just can’t sleep as the writing just nags at you. No wonder I’ve been led to create so many publications for those who are stressed or suffer with anxiety – I’ve been experimenting on myself!
What I most love about writing is meeting people who’ve read my books or who come to my concerts or workshops. It’s really encouraging to hear first-hand how my publications have helped someone move on with their life. Some folk have even been healed through reading my books. The most moving email I had was from Hurricane Katrina victims who said how much my book Into God’s Presence had sustained them during their tragedy.
I also love the creative synergy of collaborating with other artists whether it is dancers, musicians or painters.
I think I probably enjoy the public side of my work more than the private solitary writing side. Perhaps that is why writers are generally introverts, whereas I’m an extrovert. I come to life in front of an audience!.
