A New Chapter

Today marks a new beginning for me.

As some of you will know from previous entries, I have been managing a provision for children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. This has been highly rewarding, despite the often challenging nature of the work. Seeing children find acceptance and hope, some of them passing SATs and successfully moving onto secondary school, is amazing. I have also been fortunate to work with a wonderful team as well as some great families, many of whom have embraced the opportunity to give their children that extra support in a unique context.

However, it has been highly consuming, not just of time but energy too. Between the hours of actual work and the impact on my physical and mental energy, it has been hard to dedicate time to my writing. At the same time, I feel very excited about where my writing is currently at. The Prophet's Grace, the first in a new trilogy, is ready to send to beta readers, I am getting back into magazine writing and even dipping my toe into freelancing! My work with Write On! magazine also means I'll be going to the Hay Literary Festivsl as a member of the press next week, more on that to follow...

All this means I took the decision to step down from my SEMH management role at the end of April. Although there is some inevitable sadness about leaving that chapter of my life, I am excited to see what the future holds. I will still be doing some supply teaching, which I'm looking forward to, but will have greater flexibility to adapt to writing opportunities. I will also be able to blog more regulary here and aim to give an honest account of the ups and downs of balancing my own writing against practical considerations.

I hope to encourage others who are thinking about taking a chance on something new: please do comment if you have your own experiences to share.