My Story
By SA Edward -
Friday,
November 29, 2013
I was born in St Lucia, but have lived in East London for most of my
life.
Like many
writers, I have always loved reading and writing and have been keeping a
journal since my early teens. I love
reading stories where the writer surprises me.
If I learn a few new words along the way, I feel I am getting an
additional bonus. My favourite writer,
Octavia E Butler, passed away in 2006. She
was a great writer of science fiction, my favourite of hers being ‘Wild Seed’.
I am also an admirer of Nawal El Saadawi both for her political views and for her
writing.
My first
serious attempt at putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) to create my
own stories, was a few years ago, while I was living and working in the Gulf. This took the form of a novella called,
‘Yvette’. Since then, I have written several
short stories, drafted my second novel - ‘The Vulnerables’ - and continue breathing
new life into ‘Yvette’.
Writing for
union newsletters and my blog, has sparked
an interest in journalism. I have also
written book and theatre reviews which have been published in The Voice Newspaper
and Calabash.
I enjoy
travelling and have been fortunate enough to visit Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe,
Kenya and Ethiopia. I have also been to Egypt twice where I experienced the wonders our ancestors created there so many years ago.
My favourite place in Africa (so far) is Zanzibar because of its laid back,
friendly way of life, lovely beaches, fresh fish and vegetables which remind me
of the Caribbean. I fitted in so well there that people often spoke to me in
Swahili thinking I was one of those beautiful Zanzibarian ladies.
As well as
writing, reading and travelling, I enjoy good conversation, watching drama,
dancing and socialising.
I am a mother of
two and work full-time in the National Health Service (NHS).
You can see my
published short stories and
blog through my website: http://www.saedward.com.
By SA Edward
SA Edward is The New Black
Magazine’s Books and Literature Editor. She blogs at http://www.saedward.com.