Jane Gill-Wilson has been writing poetry for years. Previously she has published two collections entitled Raw Emotion and Out of Darkness. Now she is releasing a humourous, entertaining and insightful look into the world of online dating - told entirely in rhyme, of course! Candid Diary of a Dating Dame is due for release on the 28th July. 

1. How would you describe Candid Diary of a Dating Dame, and who would you say it is aimed at?

Candid Diary of a Dating Dame is exactly what the title implies; an honest account of my thoughts and experiences after signing up to an online dating site, aged fifty plus. The theme of my book draws on the more mature aspect of 'menopausal' dating, and finding yourself alone in later life; they are real stories told in rhyme. I hope that it will appeal to anyone who has experience of online dating, and the curious amongst us who may be considering it, especially middle aged ladies like myself. Although, it has been said that men who are currently looking for love online should definitely read it.

If you like Pam Ayres then read Candid Diary of a Dating Dame.

2. What made you decide to write down your experiences, and to format them as poetry?

I usually write inspirational verse and have previously published Raw Emotion and Out of Darkness so writing poems about real life is something I do regularly.

Having tried the online 'dating game' many years ago I was disillusioned to discover that online dating more than a decade later was in stark contrast to my previous experiences. That said I decided to write a poem called 'The Dating Game' which was originally published as a blog, and from that the idea evolved.

3. Did you find it difficult to write about personal experiences for others to read? How did you deal with this?

I think anyone who has read my previous work will agree that writing heartfelt verse comes naturally to me. I started writing verse after serious illness. It has become the catharsis that helps me through difficult times. I call it my sanctuary. So, during the frustrating period when I was online dating, writing down my feelings in rhyme seemed the natural thing to do.

4. What is one of your funniest experiences from online dating? Or the strangest?

Well, in answer to that question I'm going to have to say read the book... Although, the evening which prompted 'Alter Ego' was pretty strange!

5. Have your views on online dating changed at all since you started writing this book?

Yes! I have found online dating at fifty plus fraught with complications and disappointments. It was much easier when I was younger.

6. What advice would you give to anyone who is considering trying online dating?

I would say go in to it with your eyes wide open. It does work for some, but be alert to the games people play, and believe me, online they do play games. In this day and age it's imperative that before you agree to meet, you check them out. Always meet in a public place and make sure you let a friend know where you are going, even ask her to call you half way through the evening. If need be you can make your escape if it's not going well. One of my rules is, never meet a guy who won't speak to you on the telephone first, AND if he won't give you his telephone number, then alarm bells should be ringing!

7. What are your future writing plans?

I'm also a lyricist and regularly collaborate with musicians, so I shall continue with my song writing, I have entered some prestigious international song writing contests therefore I am eagerly awaiting the results of these.

My latest  collection of verse entitled Clipped Wings and Introspection has just been completed and I have been penning a novel for some time now; however with many irons in the fire I still have a way to go with that one.

8. What book would you most like to take away on holiday with you this summer?

I love nothing more than relaxing and losing myself in a good novel. I particularly enjoy reading Dorothy Koomson's work. Interestingly, her latest release When I was Invisible  was out in May and is one I would like to get my hands on this summer.