Encouraged by her mother to read, she loved books but learnt at a young age; books can make you cry or feel good. Consequently, she grew up with three ambitions 1) Working with books – to become a Publisher 2) Write books and 3) own a bookshop. A parent working full time, Kim crafted a career, which led to meeting famous authors and heroes long admired.
Losing her mum, Kim found writing during grief, to be cathartic. Yet family and friends saying, “they were ok,” avoided saying how they actually felt. Around that time, she read Millie Johnson an acclaimed author. One of her characters decluttered her house but still felt ‘unhappy’ then, came to realise the house was ‘ok’ but the ‘rest of life’ was not happy. Emailing the author, who responded “she was the reason she wrote books and encouraged Kim to write.”
Becoming a Book Blogger, she worked part-time work; reading morning and afternoon, to fit in with school run, before posting ‘a blog’ about the books. This introduced her to the world of PR and Marketing. Working in publishing, felt like working towards achieving her dreams but Authors reminded her, despite it being a challenge, she needed to write a book herself.
The first novel Amazing Grace, was followed by Sunshine and Second Chances, about four amazing strong women making a pact at 21, to meet up again for their 50th birthdays. Writing uplifting romantic fiction, Kim’s books always have a happy ending, with twists and turns along the way. Progressing, Amazon informed her of an Award, held in London and presented by Claudia Winkleman. Making the final five out of twenty thousand, she needed to be dressed in evening gown, despite Covid dictating that it was held on Zoom – with cardboard cut-out’s, of those nominated.
Kim shared difficulties, whilst trying to give everyone a chance to be published, rather than simply working with ‘known’ names. Team effort is required for, it is hard work requiring emotional energy and many things were forfeited, to enable her to write. Current contract, for a Series set in Cornwall, is of standalone stories. Kim feels Reading is like Breathing to her, there is never a day when she doesn’t read.
Member Pauline Whittaker, celebrating 4 score and 10, was Congratulated on a very Special Birthday. Retired or Semi-Retired, professional or business ladies meet 1st Thurs each month; Chase Golf Club, 12 noon, for meal, fellowship and Speakers with Outings and other Activities. New members are welcome: Annual membership £16 and two course lunch £22. Further information contact: Membership Secretary, Barbara on 01889 882 166 or Chairman Anne 01922 418037.
