Episode 49 - Guest Interview - Derbyshire Author Shirley Mann
Episode 49 - Guest Interview - Derbyshire Author - Shirley Mann
Shirley Mann is a journalist who has worked across newspapers, radio and television. She spent most of her career working as a reporter, producer and presenter for the BBC on programmes across radio and television, including Radio 4 and Countryfile. She then set up her own media company with lecturing as a sideline, producing short films for environmental organisations.
Her first book, ‘Lily’s War’, was inspired by the wartime romance of her parents. Her mother was a WAAF in Bomber Command and her father was in the 8th Army. She then raced around the country to talk to servicewomen who were already in their 90s to make sure her books were authentic.
Her second book, ‘Bobby’s War’ is inspired by Air Transport Auxiliary pilot, Mary Ellis and she has since gone on to write ‘Hannah’s War’ about a Land Army girl and is now creating ‘Bridget’s War’ which focuses on a policewoman in the internment camp in the Isle of Man.
She lives in a market town on the edge of the Derbyshire Peak District, heading off regularly with her husband in their camper van.
In this episode Pete and Laura ask Shirley:
What captivates you about writing in this genre and period in history?
‘Lily’s War’ was written to rediscover the life your parents may have lived. What surprised you with your research?
What lessons from your journalistic career do you bring to your novel writing?
Do you have a formula you follow for the books?
Bobby's War was shortlisted in six authors for the Romantic Novelists’ Association Saga Novel of the Year Award and you won it! Tell us more about that process and what happened?
Tell us a little about getting an agent for the book and then publisher. What advice would you offer our listener who wants to seek a traditional route to publishing?
Want to learn more about Shirley? You can find her at:
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Thanks for listening!
