“I was really struggling with that left brain/right brain thing,” says the mum of two (pictured), who works as an accountant. “I felt whatever side it is that is creative, was shrivelling.”
Kate, a former art student, sat down and wrote and illustrated The Magic Jewellery Shop Book 1 – The Jade Ring. The tale of two girls who discover they are half-fairy, just “flowed from somewhere in my brain”, she says.
“I’d read the Rainbow Magic books to my children over and over again. I was getting bored with the formulaic type of storyline, but I didn’t want to go on to books about vampires, boyfriends or mums with cancer, which seemed to be the next step up. I thought ‘I could write something different’.
The scientist in Kate also comes through. “I couldn't resist adding an appendix about the incredible properties of minerals and gems in the real world.
"If it encourages even one little girl to consider a career in science, it'll be worthwhile.”
Kate’s currently working on two sequels and, having self-published her first book, is looking for a traditional publisher.
She is also re-evaluating her career options. She began her OU degree because she wanted to leave accountancy and become a scientist, but now she says making a living as a writer would make her equally happy. “I’d like to leave something to be remembered by.”
