Two New Reviewers and One Returning

Apologies for such sporadic appearances in the blogging world of late – there has been a lot going on in my life. Lots of changes which have required my attention but I honestly do think things might be turning around.

On the blog, I have managed to convince some fabulous author friends of mine to join my reviewing team. These ladies are members of my Chichester SCBWI group and are extremely well established in the literary world. There will be others joining soon, so keep a look out. I shall hand over to the lovely ladies in question, so you can learn more about them.

Jill Atkins

Hi! I’m an escaped teacher and have been writing for children for quite a while now. I don’t have an agent, but I’ve had 46 books published for children and YA by various publishers. 

I’ve got two grown-up children and five grandchildren who love to read my books, but I’d never dream of putting any of them in a story!

Since I was a child, I have always been an avid reader and loved writing stories. Now I still read, read, read - adult, YA, children’s and I’m always amazed at the brilliant stuff that is written so I’m very happy to review new books. My favourite age group is 7-9 and 9-12.

I’m currently writing a book for 7-9 year olds set in Victorian times. It’s for a new series for Scholastic that will be out in August.

Elizabeth Dale

(if you are thinking the surname is very familiar, you would be correct. Elizabeth is author, Katie Dale’s mum and just as fabulous an author!)

'Hi, I'm delighted to join Viv's team as that means I can read lots of lovely children's books and tell myself I'm working! I live in West Sussex, looking out on my garden for inspiration with my lap top keeping my knees warm. I originally began writing teenage and women's fiction for magazines and then, when I discovered the joy of reading to my three daughters when they were young, I started writing for children, too. And that's turned out to be the greatest fun of all. I have had nearly thirty children's books published, from picture books up to age 12, but I've also returned to my roots and now write for teenagers again, too. I would love to review anything from picture books up to teenage. ‘

As if having new reviewers isn’t wonderful enough, I am pleased to welcome back the wonderfully talented author and reviewer, Sophie Duffy, who has been busy writing, but has finally re-joined the team. So glad to have you back Sophie!

Sophie Duffy

Hi, I’m Sophie Duffy, mother of three teenagers who lives at the seaside in Teignmouth, Devon. I used to be a primary school teacher but now I write novels. My first, The Generation Game was published last summer. My second, This Holey Life, came out in August 2012.

I can officially say now that all the reviewers on Serendipity Reviews are either published authors or aspiring writers. I really have brought together a talented bunch.