REACTING to a situation with imagination and some common sense is the advice of a Tedburn St Mary writer in her first book.

Carol Mayne says the book had been germinating over many years.

She is a former youth worker and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award facilitator.

Originally from Dorset, Carol moved to Tedburn 18 months ago.

Her first book, published at the end of last year, “Broken Blooms … a youth worker’s walk with the wild” gives an insight into her years as a Youth Worker, often with very challenging young people, working in various places in the South West.

This was published after she joined Denning Authors, set up last March by editor Elaine Denning of Exeter who started the community group for writers to meet new friends and explore new ideas.

By the end of last year Elaine had three new authors publishing five books, one of whom was Carol Mayne.

New members are welcome and do not have to write.

For more information contact: [email protected] .

Carol’s book can now also be bought from The Bookery at Crediton or via email ([email protected]).

“I want to tell people you do not have to be clever, you just have to be resourceful.

“If you have the will, you will find a way to do things. We want to say ‘just have a go and you can do it.’

“It is about what you can do, not what you cannot do,” she said. “Do not give up, it is about nature and nurture.”

She added: “BROKEN BLOOMS’ is a pun - the restoration of an 18th century cob cottage and orchard is the carthatic antidote to working with challenging young people (sometimes in dangerous places) – both bloom with effort and perseverance.”

Carol goes to literary festivals and is a member of the South Hams Authors Network, a not-for-profit group to allow authors who are serious about publishing their work, or are already published, to exchange ideas and contacts, and she has been on radio talking about her work.

She is willing to talk to groups such as mental health groups, youth groups, or others.

She is now working on a second book, this one about holidays she has had abroad. But it will be no ordinary travel book, not from her pen.

Married and with one child who is a teacher, Carol nonetheless enjoys the remote and solitary – walks on Dartmoor and the Mediterranean.

“I love wild places, I am a walker and I want to be outdoors. She moved to Tedburn to be nearer her family.

Her husband’s family is from the West Country as well.

“I love it here, it is a fantastic community,” she added.

Carol will probably be found at Tedburn St Mary’s monthly markets.

The book was printed by Imprint Digital at Upton Pyne.

by Sue Read