What was the first writing advice you were ever given?

The first piece of writing advice I was given goes right back to my early childhood. Not everyone can recall their primary schooldays in detail, but my memories of that stage in my life are crystal clear. The classroom environment suited me, and I wanted to please my teachers. I was, I think, destined at an early age to work full time in education.

So when my infant teacher told the ‘six year old’ me to think harder about who would be reading my work, and to stop starting every story with ‘Once upon a time’, I took her advice seriously. She had given me my first sense of audience. This was a major step forward in the life of a young writer who was beginning to develop her craft. That advice has lived with me ever since. Even when my job required me to deliver dry and often unemotional reports, I always tried to write in a way which would catch the reader’s attention. After all, if I couldn’t be bothered to interest my audience, then why should I expect anyone else to read my words?

What was the most recent writing advice you were given?

I would describe myself as a ‘half full’ person. I like to focus on the positive and build on my  experiences. I loved writing my first novel and was more than happy to receive feedback after publication to further develop my skills as a writer. However, I do sometimes fall in to the trap of focussing too hard on how I need to improve my work. This can very quickly turn into self-doubt and slow down, or even stop, the flow of my writing. The most helpful advice about writing, which I have received recently, was to remember to believe in my ability. Writing, for me, is a massively enjoyable activity, and the very best way to improve is simply to keep writing.

What is the piece of advice (writing or otherwise) you would like to pass on?

I’ll be sixty-three next month. I’ve had a professional career in education, run my own business, been married twice and brought up a family. I now use that experience to support my work in the voluntary sector, raise money for good causes and take on new challenges.  Sometimes friends of a similar age suggest I should slow down a bit. Although I have had to learn to say ‘no’ on occasions, my advice to anyone, who is polite enough to listen to me, is, whatever your age, stay active and keep embracing new challenges as much as you can. No one knows what lies ahead or how long their health will last. So set aside fear of failure and make the most of your abilities.  I wanted to write and perform poetry. I gave it a try and discovered I could do it. I wanted to write a novel, and, amazingly, I managed it.  Life is not a dress rehearsal. Jump over the obstacles and create your own opportunities. It is unlikely that anyone will create them for you.

Claire has self-published four booklets of lighthearted poetry and is a popular speaker and performer at clubs and other venues in the South East. Her debut novel ‘Different Genes was published by Matador in 2017. Claire’s next poetry booklet ‘Simply Modern Life’ will be published later this year. Claire and her husband, Chris, were awarded the Diabetes UK South East Inspire Award for their fundraising work in 2017.

www.clairebaldry.co.uk