As a child I loved reading and I carried that love of reading into adulthood, reading widely and insatiably from many genres, both fiction and non-fiction. Some of my favourite writers include Annie Proulx, Tove Jansson, Emile Zola, Amy Tan, Simone de Beauvoir and Ernest Hemingway. I began writing creatively as a child and continued to write throughout adolescence and into adulthood.
There were times in my life when I tried not to write and to focus on other activities instead, but somehow I kept returning to writing.
A few years ago I decided to take my writing seriously, and enrolled on an introductory creative writing course with writingclasses.co.uk. From there I went on to take several more courses, both with writingclasses and at CityLit in Central London. I learned a lot about the craft of writing and how to approach it. During this time I completed a number of short stories and went on to write my novel, The Forest King’s Daughter, which was published by Pilrig Press in March 2015.
In the winter of 2015, I received my MLitt in Creative Writing from The University of Glasgow. Around this time I also became a regular contributor to the regional Scottish magazine Lothian Life. In winter of 2015, I sat on the judging panel for a writing competition.
Nothing gives me greater joy than to champion good books and to help fellow writers. As part of this, I began writing about some of the books I’ve enjoyed on this blog.
As an extension of my love of books and my desire to help my fellow writers, I’ve opened my own editorial business specialising in developmental editing and mentoring of new writers, especially those seeking to self-publish. To support my business practice I have taken courses with the Editorial Freelancers Association, of which I am a full member. I have also taken courses in the teaching of adult learners.
When I’m not writing, editing or reading I enjoy spending time with my partner and our two cats, hiking, baking, listening to music and visiting museums and art galleries.
Kendra Olson 