Hazel Ward

Hazel Ward lives in Birmingham with her partner and has two children who are both adults and making their own way in the world. A relative newcomer, she has been writing short stories and poetry in her spare time for the last few years alongside a busy full time career in a completely unrelated industry. As a result, whilst she tries to be a productive writer, her output can be a little sporadic. Hazel’s short story, 'Case History No: 76', has been published in the Dark Clouds Anthology by Collective Unconsciousness and she is hoping for further successes in the near future. In the meantime, more of her work can be seen at hazelward@wordpress.com.

Credentials

Hazel Ward in 60 seconds

When did you start writing?

2009 in Birmingham, England.

What do you love about short stories?

As a writer, I love the fact that you have to be really disciplined about what you put into the story. There's no room for diversions. You have to make every word count.

Do you write in other forms?

I also write poetry. In 2014 I took part in my first NaPoWriMo event. It was pretty hard to write a poem a day for a whole month and some were better than others but it was a great experience that I intend to repeat this year.

What distracts you from writing?

Mostly my day job, the general day to day things & sheer exhaustion.

Outside of writing, what are your other passions?

I enjoy looking at & making art, mainly painting. I also enjoy walking. Living in a big city in the middle of England makes you really appreciate both the countryside and the sea, so favourite walks often include either of those. There are some great urban walks too though.

What is your favourite book?

I like so many different books & I'm discovering new ones all the time. I really enjoyed Wolf Hall and Bring up the Bodies. I also enjoyed Middlemarch which I only read recently but I equally loved Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter Høeg.

Who are your favourite writers?

It varies but of late Hilary Mantel has to be up there, Catherine O’Flynn is also a favourite. I found her first novel What Was Lost extremely gripping and I am a big fan of Nordic Noir so a recently discovered favourite is Jo Nesbo.

Where is your dream location?

For a story, I would love to write something set in my home town of Birmingham.

What one item would you put into Room 101?

Currently it’s disingenuous politicians. Need I say more?

Do you have any advice for new writers?

Write for as long as you enjoy it and stay confident in your own ability.