Sue Woodcock first published with us nearly ten years ago. Currently, she has two works in print with us: Murder at the Brass Cat and Operation Cain: Shepherd’s Mystery. Read on to find out more about her life as an author and the exciting and varied life she’s led up until now.

Did you always dream of becoming an author?

Not really, but I have always liked writing stories.

What was your first job?

My first proper job was a police officer.

How did you come to write your first book?

I was prompted by the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001. I needed to take my mind off the loss of my sheep.

What was your life like before you became an author?

I had many jobs, but mainly after retiring from the police. I became a shepherd and farmer, plus other jobs like railway station assistant manager, barmaid, housekeeper, kitchen porter, chef, quiz writer and singer.

Did you face any struggles before becoming an author? If so, how did you overcome them?

Yes. I had two marriages broken up, plus one or two other failed relationships. I had been abandoned as a baby by my parents and was raised by my grandmother. I was bullied at school, I have had to fight my corner most of my life. I have always gone my own way and will not submit to any form of bullying. I have tried my best to get on with others and I am quite sociable.

Since you became a published author has your life changed?

Not drastically, no.

Can you please describe a typical day in your life now?

Up by 7am at the latest. Dose cats, let 5 dogs out, make coffee, let dogs in. Then usually walk 5 dogs. I do a lot of public speaking. If I’ve not committed to that I go to choir practice for one of three choirs. On Sundays, I go to church. I am on the PCC (Parochial Church Council) and various other committees, and I write a weekly diary in the Yorkshire Post. I Might do some shopping. When at home I spin wool from my sheep, or knit socks or other garments or make patchwork items from second hand ties. I also do gardening in the summer. I do the minimum of housework and enjoy driving. I sometimes have 4 or 5 talks to give each week, which allows me to donate money to the Animal Charity of which I am a patron. If not at an evening commitment, I try to head to bed by about 11pm.

What is your most memorable moment of your life as an author?

The moment I got my first novel accepted by the first publisher I approached.