Clare grew up in Somerset but has lived most of her adult life in Nottingham, with brief sojourns in four other UK cities. She began her career as a journalist with the Nottingham Post group before working as a press officer and communications manager in the Government Communications Network. She began writing her first novel, Blue Tide Rising, while studying for an MA in Creative Writing at Nottingham Trent University. Blue Tide Rising was published in 2019 by independent publisher Inspired Quill. Clare’s second novel The Strawberry Girl is due out in May 2023. Clare is also a creative writing tutor who runs workshops across Nottinghamshire. For six years She ran Writing for Wellbeing sessions at the Maggie’s Cancer Centre, Nottingham. She currently handles PR and media for Nottinghamshire Hospice. Links: Clare's website Clare's Twitter  Books mentioned: Blue Tide Rising - Clare Stevens *Feel the Fear and do it Anyway - Susan Jeffers *What Happens in New York - Kristina Adams * * Affiliate link