KAREN CLOW

All my life I’ve been passionate about writing, even as a child. Little did I know then I would have to wait until I was fifty to fulfil my dream and actually publish my novels.

 

My family have always been of paramount importance to me, so it seemed natural to put my life as a would-be writer on hold, until my children were settled and happy. There never seemed to be enough hours in the day, especially when my girls were growing up. I’ve always worked jobs that fitted in with my family, as I’m a great believer in what you put into family life is what you’ll get back. In my case it’s worked and I have a wonderful relationship with my girls and my beautiful grandchildren. I’ve loved every job I’ve had, but none more so than being a mum, which is why for thirteen years I became a foster mum for teenagers. My house was always full of kids and I loved every minute of it! Time was the only thing I could never control and between fostering, raising thousands of pounds locally for worthy causes and rescuing guinea pigs, I never seemed to have any left for me!

 

It was after having nursed both my wonderful, loving, parents through cancer until their deaths, I decided it was time to treat myself to some ‘me time’ and try my hand as a proper writer and not just as a hobbyist. Although the theory was good, putting it into practice was another matter. Often I would write during the night hours so as not to upset my family’s routine, old habits die hard.

 

It was only after asking several people to read my books, I felt confident enough to try and secure an agent, but I quickly realised I probably stood more chance of becoming the next Prime Minister than actually getting signed up! Everyone loved my books and constantly said I should publish. So with the help of my lovely ‘little’ Ian (A young man who we all consider family) we looked at e-books.

 

I don’t know if my books will be successful, but for me it has never been about fame or fortune. I’ve never had either and you don’t miss what you’ve never had. It’s the thrill of finally being able to give people the chance to read them.

 

I have written several novels in different genres which I’m told is quite unusual. Truth is all of my writing comes from the heart and from some of life’s experiences. One question I’m always asked is where my story lines come from. My answer is simple, like most of my friends I attended the school of hard knocks, but I feel truly blessed to have a large extended family and to have met so many people from so many walks of life, some good, some bad and some decidedly dodgy, but never dull. Without any doubt they have helped to inspire some of my characters, but for the story lines, my colourful imagination has come into play.