Like many others, a local lady from Nottingham found herself with more time on her hands during the national coronavirus lockdown, and she put it to good use. Here author Joanna, talks about her journey to writing her first novel:
My name is Joanne Bentley a born and bred Nottingham lady originally from Wollaton and now living in Cinderhill.
I am ecstatic to have fulfilled a lifelong ambition to write my first novel SCARLOTTE’S MEMOIRS – Call me at 8pm during lockdown in the UK.
From a young age I have always wanted to write, and it has been one of those ambitions where work and life have just seemed to get in the way. During lockdown I dedicated all of my time to creating the first in a series of books called Scarlotte’s Memoirs. The first being subtitled “Call me at 8pm”.
Not being allowed to leave the house for all but essential shopping, I wanted to use this time effectively. I did a few online courses including psychology, car mechanics and of course how to write a novel. I am always motivated to gain new skills and the novel writing course totally re-lit my lifelong ambition. I got up at 6am each morning during lockdown which I found was my best writing time. It was quiet everywhere; in the house, on the local roads and the sun would just be poking its nose out. These conditions were simply perfect for me to reminisce on fun times of my life and translate these thoughts onto paper. These unusual times have been so challenging for so many people and I feel for them so much. I am happy to have produced something positive which I hope will bring a smile and a giggle to people as we ride this wave of Coronavirus.
Being an extremely ambitious lady with an entrepreneurial drive, I want my story, based on my own adventures to be shared with the world. I think that so many people have wonderful stories to tell that sadly are never told.
My book series starts in Greece where Scarlotte Henson (the main character) is a young Shirley Valentine finds a new life on the island of Kos. The book is a romantic comedy sharing the day to day fun experienced with new friendships. The book is dedicated to one of the group of friends who heartbreakingly took his own life a few years ago. I am in the process of writing book 2 right now SCARLOTTE’S MEMOIRS ‘Back for more – season 2 in Kos’.
Joanne’s book ‘SCARLOTTE’S MEMOIRS – Call me at 8pm’ is available to purchase on Amazon, you can follow the link here: www.amazon.co.uk/Scarlottes-Memoirs-Miss-Joanne-Bentley/dp/B08HGRZL2H/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2OQ3184ZNCVPX&dchild=1&keywords=scarlottes+memoirs&qid=1599840257&sprefix=scarlottes+memoirs%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-1
