Author.

Journalist.

Broadcaster.

Dramatist.

Dog-lover.

About Lynne

A couple of years ago, I combined two households into one, and faced an enormous task: to tackle the archive which for years I had preferred not to look at. My garage is now full of well-organised boxes, which in turn are full of well-organised files. So I had the satisfaction of doing the job properly. I also genuinely enjoyed being re-acquainted with a lot of the material. But mostly I was overwhelmed and embarrassed by the sheer quantity of output. At times the embarrassment bordered on shame.

These days I am writing less and relaxing more, living in East Sussex near the sea with my two adorable dogs Django and Lulu. One day during lockdown I looked around at my house full of books and sofas and thought, “Wasn’t this what you always wanted to do? Read in comfort? Don’t you think it’s time?”

I’m aware I’ve had a very fortunate career, starting off in journalism at a good time for the print business, and progressing to books and radio. But it was always about saying yes to work, really. When people asked me to write things, I said yes.

Books

Well-meaning people often say to me, “I’ve got your book!” and I know which book they mean. Eats, Shoots & Leaves is supposedly my one and only title, which is fair enough. But it would be nice here to introduce you to a few more. Authors often feel most affection for the titles that had fewest sales, and I’m no different.

Radio

My favourite medium to work in. Words heard are different from words read. Basically, you are much more interested in who’s saying them and why. It’s like writing words directly into the listener’s brain.

Journalism

Starting my professional life as a sub-editor was very valuable. But writing for instant publication is exciting. Sportsmen often say that pressure is a privilege. It’s a bit like that for writers, too.

Stage

As a young journalist, my main interest was theatre, and I wanted to write for the stage, but I also just needed to make a living! However, I have co-authored with Virginia Woolf, and not many people can say that..