What is 

The Shed?

All writers need a “word-splashed hut”. My shed might be more mud-splashed – but turns out it’s a brilliant place to pen a novel. 

In 2018/19, I wrote The Shed, a novel that asks: what happens when you don’t fall in love with your baby at first sight?

It’s a story in four plots, digging into the lives of four people on an allotment across four seasons. In particular, it follows Kate as she battles with post-natal depression and PTSD after the birth of her son. As Kate finds solace and sanctuary within this gated community, her overgrown vegetable patch takes shape and her love for life and her son begins to grow.

The book is about the sense of community, friendship and solidarity that can be found at the allotment – and the power of connection and nature to heal.

It was written almost entirely in my allotment shed.

I am
Working with an agent

My novel is on submission. Please contact my literary agent Robert Caskie if you are interested in publishing it.

I was
Shortlisted for a mentor scheme

In February 2020, I was one of only
seven people in the East Midlands to be shortlisted for the Writing East Midlands (WEM) Mentoring Scheme.

I have
A 2nd novel on the go!

My next novel is about a community pub…and the people that try to save it

Why I wrote The Shed…

The idea for my novel evolved from my own personal battle with postnatal depression following the birth of my son – and my journey to recovery through gardening and grow-your-own. I was intrigued by the fact that the allotment is often a place people go to seek refuge.

For many women, post-natal depression and PTSD can feel shameful, and something to be hidden. For more than a decade, I tried to get this mental illness, and its effects into the spotlight: to let other mums know they’re not alone and that recovery is possible.

Through a daily dose of gardening and nature – and the community at my allotment – I was able to pull through one of the most challenging times of my life.