Maureen Bowden is a Liverpudlian living with her musician husband in North Wales. She has had 110 stories and poems accepted by paying markets, and Silver Pen Publishers nominated one of her stories for the 2015 international Pushcart Prize. The loves her family and friends, rock ‘n’ roll, Shakespeare and cats.
1. How long have you been writing and what got you started?
Since I was a child I’ve written for the entertainment of family and friends. I found the courage to start submitting my work for publication in 2012, after I graduated with a First Class Honours from the Open University. Two of the modules were Creative Writing and Advanced Creative Writing. I obtained a distinction in both.
2. What is the best piece of advice you have for new writers?
I’d advise new writers to use their power of observation. Watch real people, listen to how they speak, and then make your characters interesting and believable. Take care with grammar and punctuation. Most importantly, enjoy your writing. Have fun.
5. What is your favorite type of fiction and who are your favorite authors?
I love history and fantasy, but also many of the classics. My favourite writers are, Shakespeare, Jane Austen, T.H. White, Mary Renault, Ursula le Guin, Terry Pratchett, and Hilary Mantel.
12. How do you deal with rejections?
I deal with rejections by considering and acting on any useful feedback, cursing under my breath and then laughing at any ridiculous feedback, then sending the work somewhere else. Most of what I’ve written has eventually been accepted for publication, so take heart.
13. Do you ever get criticism from family or friends who don’t understand your passion?
My family and friends are very supportive. I believe I’d find it difficult to enjoy writing if they were not.
15. In your opinion, how important is a writing degree or MFA when it comes to achieving success in writing fiction?
I learned a great deal from my Open University Creative Writing modules and I’d certainly recommend them.
16. Do you participate in any online or in-person critique or writing groups?
I belong to a private online writing group. I value the friendship, support and constructive critiques that the group members provide. We also have great fun discussing every aspect of the crazy age in which we live and in putting the world to rights. The world doesn’t listen, of course.
17. What are your writing goals for the next twelve months?
My goals for the future are to continue enjoying writing and hopefully, continue getting published.
19. What book are you reading right now?
Right now I’m reading ‘1606’ by James Shapiro. It’s about how Shakespeare’s life and work were influenced by the events of the early seventeenth-century. It’s a fascinating insight into the turmoil of the times.
