30 June 2021
On Wednesdays on social media, people use the hashtag #WriterWednesday to chat about all things author, book and writing, including authors promoting their own work. As we love to support self-published authors, we thought we’d join in and we will be featuring a UK self-published author every Wednesday on the website.
This week, we met Claire Possee to find out more.
Please tell us about yourself; when did you first become interested in writing?
I have been a keen creative writer since my teenage years, and I have always been focused on poetry. It’s been a long-term ambition of mine to get my poetry into print as a collection and last year I was able to self-publish.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
I think the first story I wrote was at school, probably at around the age of 14. The details are sketchy, but it was a ghost story where a haunted house was at the centre of the plot.
What genre/genres do your books fall under?
My book is a poetry collection.
What is your latest book called, what is it about and what was the inspiration behind the book?
My book is called ‘Touching the Outer Edges’ and is a collection of my poems spanning the last 15 years. I’m inspired by nature – from the environment to the nature of humans. In the collection I have poems that are also a response to injustice in society: I cover themes such as homelessness and the climate crisis. I always find travel evokes such wonderful and varied emotions, so I have included some poems about travel adventures.
Besides your current book, do you have any new projects coming up?
I am currently working on a second collection of poetry, which I hope to publish later in the year. I will continue my theme of nature but also look to include other themes like self-improvement and mental health.
Where can people find your books?
My book is available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon.
What has been the greatest moment in your writing career?
When I was able to see my book in print, and let my loved ones know about it, that was a brilliant moment for me.
Besides writing, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy in your spare time?
I am an avid walker and enjoy exploring the green spaces near my home in Hampshire. Like most people, I’m never without my phone so I’m always snapping photos of the scenery and the wildlife. When possible I love to travel and particularly enjoy going on European city breaks.
Which novelists do you admire?
My all-time favourite novelist is Agatha Christie, she had such a straight-forward way of writing that appeals to me. Her books are always a great escape and have me gripped in their clever mysteries. Stephen King is also very inspiring and continually amazes me with his prolific writing. He always brings the humanity and then the lack of humanity of his characters to the fore.
What has been the best piece of writing advice you’ve received?
I did a writing course and the tutor said to make sure to write every day, even if it’s just for a short time. This means that even if you are just writing down some draft ideas for a story, prose, or poem it will be adding to your bank of work and be something to build on. I’ve found that a great nugget of advice to live by.
Do you have any tips or advice for other indie authors?
It’s sometimes not easy being a writer, but I would say always stay positive and don’t get disheartened if you are stuck for ideas. Try a walk in the park to be close to nature and clear your mind ready for a refreshed writing session.
You can find out more about Claire and her work on her website or via Amazon or Instagram.
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