Billingham-based author Linda Dooks recalls her strict upbringing on her adoptive family’s farm, where an overbearing mother told her she would never amount to anything and that there was little point in wasting time on reading. Linda remembers how, despite this, she would hide books in the hollows of trees to sustain her love of literature, both reading and writing.
Leaving her unconventional school with no formal qualifications, she eventually worked for Ryedale District Council, where she met her husband and became mother to two children with learning difficulties. She tells us how, with the encouragement of her husband, she joined writing groups in Helmsley and Stockton before coming up with the basis for her first novel – “Land Of Opportunity” – which she saw published at the age of 70. With the central character, Rose, being based on her own harsh childhood, she is currently working on the third installment of Rose’s life.
Linda describes her own story of becoming a published writer in her 70s as proof of the power of conquering obstacles to follow your dreams.
Interviewed by Lynne Lawson. Audio Mastered by Barry Han. Edited by Damian Wright.
Funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund
For full transcript please contact periplumcic@gmail.com
The words and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Periplum, or any other individual, organisation or funding body associated with the interview.
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