As a writer starting on their journey, membership of the Hub seemed like a necessity. There are activities, resources, competitions, and events with agents and editors. But the most compelling reason was, and still is, the community.

The Hub’s helped me in so many ways. There’s huge support among the community, and activities like the writing sprints ensure a positive writing routine. But it’s much more than that. There’s a culture of positivity – a shared belief in our words, and the confidence to push ourselves and each other. And the generosity is extraordinary – members share their time and their expertise when critiquing; they share their industry contacts; they share their experience and their friendship. It’s very special, and very powerful.

At home I write in my study/ writing den, and, as is the case for most of us, I do it on my own. The Hub gives me a community place, where I can virtually meet with other like-minded people, exchange conversations and ideas, and empathise/ sympathise. It is like the pub on the corner of my street, or the coffee shop down the road. It is my writing place where I meet with friends, drink hot vanilla latteAs writers, we spend so much time alone with our words. And that’s important – it’s where the magic begins. But it’s just as vital to look up and out, to help others and to be helped. Those exchanges enrich us, so that when we return to the page, the magic shines even brighter.

I’ve always written for work, but longed to write fiction. That chance came when health issues forced me to leave my career five years ago – right at the start of the first lockdown. I took a course with Curtis Brown – under the tutelage of the amazing Catherine Johnson – and made some wonderful (and very talented) writing friends. Go Dead Pets Society! Since then, I’ve written a few stories for teens and young adults, usually packed with technology, peril, and heart. Last year, one of those stories landed me the most brilliant of agents – Callen Martin. He’s helped me prepare my work for submission, and I hope to share more news very soon…

Right now, I’m deep in edits on one story while developing a couple more. My dream is to somehow clone myself, so I can throw myself into every project while still making time for my family. And my greatest ambition is to give young people – especially teen boys – stories that keep a book in their hands, their imaginations, and their hearts.

Want to meet fellow writers like Steve?