Plucky author happy as larry
A NEWTON Poppleford woman has overcome a debilitating illness to become a published author. Beverley Raw, 51, who suffers from ME, was inspired to write her first book Telling Tales after coming across a website last year which helps writers to get their
A NEWTON Poppleford woman has overcome a debilitating illness to become a published author.
Beverley Raw, 51, who suffers from ME, was inspired to write her first book Telling Tales after coming across a website last year which helps writers to get their work published.
Now, five months later, Beverley is a fully-fledged author and her book is on sale in several countries including America and Canada.
The delighted author, who is currently working on her second book, said: "I've always enjoyed writing for leisure and then I came across the UK Unpublished website. I thought I had nothing to lose so I started writing the book.
"It was published in March and now I have to pinch myself so I can tell it's all real. I feel so elated and proud of myself."
Beverley, who is originally from Luton, had to retire from her job as a clerk 20 years ago as a result of her illness and moved to East Devon shortly afterwards.
Most Read
- 1 Concern over Sainsburys parking restriction plans
- 2 Plan unveiled to restore 'magical' hidden garden in Sidmouth
- 3 Comedy and horror at Sidbury Manor in film being released next month
- 4 Amateur dramatic society present 'tried and tested' comedy
- 5 Is 'no dig' gardening lazy or are we just replicating nature?
- 6 Exeter cargo plane deemed 'beyond economical repair'
- 7 Get ready to dive into Sidmouth's Sea Fest
- 8 'If I were a tree' - children's writing competition invites entries
- 9 Actor James Pellow plants tree for Sidmouth Arboretum
- 10 Festival organisers join forces to boost the town's 'brilliant cultural offer'
But, despite the upheaval, Beverley's strength and determination has prevailed and she hopes other ME suffered will also feel inspired to follow their dreams.
She added: "After I retired I set up a card and jewellery business but I got repetitive strain injury. After that I thought 'what else can I do?' and I was scared of rejection.
"So this for me feels like such an achievement and I want to pass the message onto other people who were in a similar situation.
"I would like to thank David Buttle who set up UK Unpublished. I was the first author who he helped and I am very grateful for all he has done."
For more information on Beverley's writing visit http://www.ukunpublished.co.uk/Beverley_Raw.html.
* Telling Tales, a selection of five short stories covering a range of genre, is on sale at Paragon Books in Sidmouth and Card Shop Too in Budleigh Salterton.
