Articles

In 1995, after having been a teacher for several years, I finally came to the conclusion that it wasn't for me and decided to become a freelance journalist instead. Although I'd not had any formal training or experience, I was fortunate that only the third "unsolicited" article I ever sent out was accepted by The Guardian.

After this early success, it actually took quite a lot longer to find my feet in a completely new industry but eventually I went on to write regularly for The Guardian and also The Times, as well as some of the popular women's magazines of the day and a number of trade publications.

By now, my "specialist subject" had become work and careers which led to me interviewing some really interesting people about their jobs. These included a woman who created "fantasy" coffins, the astronaut Helen Sharman's PA and Heather Hallett QC, now Baroness Hallett and chair of the Covid Inquiry. It also led to me thinking that it might have been better if I had learned shorthand and touch-typing before embarking on my new career.

This is one of the profile pieces I wrote for The Guardian:

https://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2001/jul/28/features.jobsmoney4

I continued writing articles and features until a discovery at the back of my mother's wardrobe sent me off in a completely new writing direction. But you will need to carry on looking through this website to find out what that was.

AWARDS:

Writers’ News Freelance Journalist of the Year 1999.

TESTIMONIALS:

“Just a short note to say thank you for all your hard work on the Back To Work supplement. I thought it worked really well. I do hope you will continue to do work for us.” Kathy Watson, Woman’s Realm.

“I really like the pieces you do for the section. You are always punctual and reliable, unlike some I could mention!” Hannah Pool, The Guardian.

“I’m really glad you’re doing these pieces for me. That means I can rest easy that they’ll be interesting, informative and well-written.” Penny Cottee, Executive PA