Write from the Start Introduction Pack 2

by Lynn Michell

This series is designed to encourage children's awareness of the different purposes of writing, and to develop their ability to use and apply its different forms for a variety of audiences.

Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

I was born in Liverpool, the daughter of a soldier, so my childhood was spent in barracks across the globe including two war zones. I grew up in Nairobi, Tripoli, Malta, Cyprus, Germany and the UK but never called anywhere home. Up to the age of 17, I lived in 28 houses, tents and flats and went to 17 schools. I’m envious of folk with strong roots because I have none.

Without stability, army brats can become solitary and self-sufficient or go off the rails. I escaped into books - my safe zones - away from marching soldiers and the colour khaki.

I was the third cohort to study English and Drama at Birmingham University, but I didn’t fit. My PhD thesis was on children’s language where English and Psychology melded and my fascination with words came full circle.

While lecturing at Keele university, Oliver & Boyd accepted my proposal for a writing scheme. Growing Up in Smoke and Shattered: Life with ME followed. The wonderful Women’s Press published two of my books under the name Helen Braid.

My debut novel, White Lies, is based partly on my elderly father’s memories of his time in Kenya fighting the Mao Mao. My second novel, Run, Alice, Run, is a retort to a society that makes older women feel irrelevant and invisible.

My third novel, The Red Beach Hut, my personal favourite, is out on October 1st.

I also run Linen Press, the only independent women’s press in the UK: www.linen-press.com