I'm working to help authors develop the skills to self-publish with confidence, assured they can produce books which meet professional standards. This will bring greater quality assurance for independently published books and high respect for the independent publishing industry.
Together, highly skilled authors and dedicated, meticulous editors working to ensure the world is filled with great books telling wonderful stories that inspire, and bring joy to readers.
My fiftieth birthday was a turning point. I feared that if I didn't write my book, I would reach the end of my life with regrets. It was now or never. So I joined the writers group and found a place where I belonged.
Hesitantly and nervously, I shared my writing with the members, and received a positive response and a lot of encouragement. My confidence grew. Perhaps, after all, I could write a book.
The proprietor of a local bookshop read my book and was enthusiastic about the story, but rejected it because it wasn't up to professional standards.
I joined the New Zealand Society of Authors and found an editor, Patricia Bell, who worked on my novel. Her input was invaluable. She edited the book and her feedback gave me much needed insights, teaching me how to improve my writing.
I began a knowledge quest: scouring the internet for writers' blogs and information on writing. I read book after book on the subjects of writing and publishing. I joined the Guerilla Publishing Facebook group, run by Derek Murphy, and worked through some of his courses on writing, publishing and book promotion.
Patricia Bell edited my second novel “Between Stars”, published in 2019. She commented that it was a huge improvement on my first book and encouraged me to write a sequel.
In 2016 I enrolled in a screenplay writing course at Toi Ohomai (formerly known as the Waiariki Institute of Technology). I experienced a joyful year learning the fascinating process of creating movies; from concept to pitch, developing scene treatments, writing short screenplays, and drawing storyboards.
I had fun incorporating my new skills into movie-making activities with my students at school.
We twice planned launch events in early 2020 for Heads Will Roll but had to cancel both due to Covid-19 level restrictions on public gatherings. The Rotorua Arts Village came to our rescue by mounting a display to promote our book and other works by our members.
During one of my courses, I worked with three other students to produce an online science fiction and fantasy ezine entitled "The Cosmic Gossip". I wrote contributions, edited submissions from the public, and helped to design the website for the publication.
Also during 2020, Marj Griffiths, the president of the Rotorua Writers Group, asked me to take on some proofreading and editing for a member who had been writing short stories for many years. He needed help to format his books for printing. Marj encouraged me to think about doing this kind of work for others. I had often read others’ manuscripts and given feedback and encouragement, but now realised I could offer these valuable services to help other authors too.
I graduated from the New Zealand Institute of Business Studies in November 2021 with a Certificate in Proofreading and Book Editing.
I've met so many other writers and authors who just need a little help to navigate the steps to publishing the book or the stories that are dear to their hearts. I've navigated those steps, and love helping others climb those steps too. I can't wait to help bring the next great book into the world.
Bachelor of Education, Graduate Certificate in Arts (Creative Writing) from Massey University.
Thirty-two years of experience as a primary school teacher with particular skills in the teaching of reading, writing, and the creative arts.
Independently published author of novels and short stories. Contributor and Co-editor of "The Cosmic Gossip" an online science fiction and fantasy ezine.
Member of the New Zealand Society of Authors and the Rotorua Writers Group.
I have a wealth of experience supporting writers, young and not-so-young, to develop their writing skills. I evaluate the strengths and weaknesses evident in text and identify, focus and prioritise areas for attention, and, in the words of a former student, "explain things really clearly."
It is an honour and a joy to work with authors, enabling them to confidently and proudly bring their stories to the world.
The wonderful, talented people who have been part of my journey and who continue to support me so that I can achieve excellent, professional service for my clients.
On this FREE 30-minute discovery call we will:
Get clear on your goals for your manuscript.
Find out where you are in the process of completing your manuscript.
Find out what I can help you work on next so that you can complete your manuscript and publish your book.