I have written for most of my life and have always loved to explore the human psyche through story telling. However, in my forties, my mother became ill with dementia and my world crashed. With a full time job, taking care of my family and trying to cope with my poor mum dismantling right in front of me, I gave up on my literary ambitions. For nearly a decade I didn’t have the emotional energy to write a single word.

However, a few years ago, the urge to write finally came back. In fact I couldn’t stop! I wrote three books in the space of two years and my competition entry, was one of them. Since I returned to writing I have been fortunate to have been long and shortlisted in several writing competitions but The I Am Writing Crime/Thriller competition was the first time I have actually placed and it was such a great boost.

Although it’s wonderful for my brittle writer’s ego to have success, I’ve learned over the years that even if you don’t get selected, it doesn’t mean your story is rubbish. And just because you do, it doesn’t mean you’re going get an agent or a publishing deal. Reading is so subjective. I can name books that I’ve absolutely loved which other people have hated. But, I believe there are readers out there for all types of books and that goes for competition judges too.

What was the inspiration behind your winning story?

I was inspired to write my novel, Sister Killer, after penning a short story about a girl who was heavily influenced, not in a good way, by her serial killer father. I’ve always been fascinated by nature versus nurture and Sister Killer is, to some degree, an exploration of this subject. The story is a psychological thriller with some shocking twists and turns. I usually struggle to find comparisons for my work but I believe the book is a cross between Girl A – Abigail Dean and Hurting Distance – Sophie Hannah. Aim high!

How did you celebrate winning?

I don’t drink alcohol, and I try to eat healthily but I love Double Caramel Magnums so I may have had one or two of them to celebrate! I also bored my husband about my competition success, insisting he look at the website, which I kept refreshing frantically to make sure my story and name were still up there!

What has happened since you won the competition?

I met with Diana Beaumont, an agent with DHH Literary Agency, who selected my story. The Zoom call was my prize and Diana was so lovely, putting me at ease. Indeed, I probably bored her too as I rambled on about all the books I’ve written. But she did manage to get a few words in and she was, thankfully, very complimentary about my writing. And, put the flag up, Diana requested the full of my MS which I’ve now sent to her. So, I’m nervously waiting to hear what she thinks of the rest of the book.

Do you have any tips for anyone thinking about entering a writing competition?

Yes, just do it. If you don’t place, don’t take it personally. Know that readers are highly subjective and just because you don’t have any success in one competition, doesn’t mean you won’t in another. Also keep editing and trying to improve your opening until the judges can’t ignore your slick, well-crafted words! But don’t forget the story. IMO you have to have a compelling tale as beautiful words are not always enough to keep a reader interested.

What is next for you?

Well, I broke a mirror the other day, so I’m writing a short story about a superstitious woman who believes she will have seven years bad luck when the opposite happens! I’m sort of hoping that I can manifest the same scenario for me too. Wish me luck!!