MY STORY
Shaped by words
My life has always been shaped by reading and writing. I have a distinct recollection of the joy at finally seeing words take shape in my favourite picture book, Rainbow Brite, when I was four. My life since can be mapped out by the books I've read (my reading taste did finally mature), their profound effect on me, and the words I've written. My writing especially has been with me through every stage of my life.
Finally pursuing this lifelong love, in 2016 I left my career as a PA and undertook a part-time degree in English Literature and Creative Writing. In 2023, I graduated with First-Class Honours. Alongside this, I developed and facilitated writing workshops for children and teens with a strong focus on creativity and imagination. Subsequently, I was selected to attend the renowned Arvon Teaching Creative Writing to Young People residential course.
During this time, I also developed a strong interest in the proven benefits of writing as a creative tool for change and wellbeing. In 2020, I completed the PWA Certificate in Therapeutic and Reflective Writing and began offering writing for wellbeing workshops - the foundation for my current adult journaling classes.
In 2024, I was honoured to receive Arts Council England DYCP funding to develop myself as a writer. This incredible opportunity involved writing a collection of contemporary ghost stories, that underpinned themes of mental health, culture and transgressions, under the mentorship of the amazing A.L. Kennedy; a period which proved invaluable in honing my own writing craft.
Later in 2024, and after 24 years of living in the UK, I returned home to South Africa. My husband, two kids, crazy dachshund, and I now live in Cape Town, which we love, and where I look forward to sharing the transformative power of writing.
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