Beginner’s pluck: Karin Walker’s brilliant summer read
Karin Walker wrote her book in 2007 before updating it a year ago: 'I updated the novel and submitted it again. I now have a three-book deal.'
Karin didn’t read as a child but, as a teenager, she became a “list fanatic”.
“They became more than lists,” she says. “I was emptying my head onto my Filofax. It was my outlet.”
Karin started her A-Level course but, impatient to get out into the world, worked as an office junior, taking legal executive exams, followed by a law degree.
“I worked as graduate management trainee at a paper merchants for five years and then I went travelling for two years.”
Returning to London, Karin worked as a legal secretary, eventually taking her legal practice course part-time to become a solicitor.
She bought a 'How to Write' book, planning to write once the baby arrived.
“I recorded notes onto a dictaphone and typed them up when Max slept. And I wrote the book in 2007 when we moved to Cornwall.
“I found an agent and had two ‘near misses’ with major publishers. I then started a second novel.”
When the second one also narrowly missed publication, she stopped writing.
“By then, I was a single mum and there was no time,” she says.
“I started working as a chaperone for children in films. But a year ago, once my sons had left home, I updated the novel and submitted it again. I now have a three-book deal.”
1970/ Northamptonshire, England.
Daventry Comprehensive School; Leicester University, law.
Cornwall.
Partner Kyle, sons Max, 22, and Spike, 20.
Chaperone for children in films.
“I’d be a ranger in Africa and work with wildlife.”
Freya North; Karen Swan; Catherine Stockett; Alexander McCall Smith; Polly Samson; Jilly Cooper.
“I’m editing the second book and have started the third.”
“When you get an idea, write it down immediately.”
@karinwalkerauthor
This heartwarming novel focuses on lawyer Charlotte, businesswoman Sarah Jane, and serial mistress Jasmine as they negotiate huge life changes. Will their friendship survive all the deception?
A brilliant summer read.
