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is currently working on her second book, said: "I've always enjoyed writing for leisure and then I came across the UK Unpublished website.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.
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"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.
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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"I would like to thank David Buttle who set up UK Unpublished.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.
