Maureen Richardson

Back in her native Tyneside, Maureen started telling stories to the local neighbourhood kids before she had learned to write. When she started school and gained the skills to put her thoughts on paper, there was no stopping her! Decades later, the thrill of crafting her imaginative ideas is as strong as ever and sharing these with readers provides as much joy as did those first exciting performances to her friends and siblings. Most of her working life was spent as a Creative Writing Development Officer, often working with local people in areas of social and economic deprivation. This diversity enabled Maureen to explore a wide field of writing genres which she carried forwards into her own work when she became a self employed writer almost twenty years ago.

Credentials

Maureen Richardson in 60 seconds

When did you start writing?

1954 Felling, England

What do you love about Short Stories?

I like the challenge of condensing an idea into a powerful piece of work that is entertaining.

Do you write in other forms?

Yes- poetry, both for page and performance. Long story genre and short novels.

What distracts you from writing?

Everyday life!

Outside of writing, what are your other passions?

Art, music, politics and family.

What is your favourite book?

Skellig

Who are your favourite writers?

William Trevor, David Almond and Ann Enright

Where is your dream location?

Warkworth, Northumberland

What one item would you put into Room 101?

Snobs

Do you have any advice for new writers?

Edit, edit and edit again.