I'm the author of five books to date, my first being The Blog of Maisy Malone which was published in 2012, and my latest titled Tender which was published in March 2018. I am currently working hard on my sixth novel which is due for publication in early 2019.
TENDERTouching on mental health, family, friendship and the pressures that teenage carers face. Author Cat Clarke says, "TENDER is a compassionate, compelling and unflinching novel". Marty and Daisy spend their lives pretending. Marty pretends his mum's grip on reality isn't slipping by the day. Daisy pretends her parents aren't exhausting themselves while they look after her incurably ill brother. They both pretend they're fine. But the thing about pretending is, at some point, it has to stop. And then what?
"Told in the dual-narrative style, Tender is the story of two Young Carers, Marty and Daisy. It's candid, insightful and touching, and ultimately raises an important question: is it wrong to ask for help? I liked Marty and Daisy. Their perspective on being Young Carers, coping with their circumstances and what the future holds for them was both tangible and valuable. The externalised power struggle between hope, fear, strength and weakness lent the story a strong connection to its title."
DAMAGEHow can you heal if you can't face your past? Confident, popular Gabi has a secret – a secret so terrible she can't tell her family, or her best friend. She can't even take pleasure in her beloved skateboarding any more. And then one day an impulse turns to something darker. Gabi has never felt so alone. But then she learns that not everyone has wounds you can see.
"I've liked all Eve Ainsworth's books but I think this might be my favourite. Gabi is an engaging heroine, and I love how Ainsworth juxtaposes the thrill and physicality of her skating with the very different physical awareness as she starts to inflict damage on her body. The handling of both grief and Gabi's grandfather's alcoholism are painfully precise. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes thoughtful teen fiction."
"An intelligent, thoughtful story about falling for the kind of boy who makes you fell special, and then makes you feel a bit hemmed in, and finally makes you feel very uncomfortable indeed. The whole issue of domestic abuse and coercive control has been much in the news recently, and in Crush, Eve Ainsworth shows how toxic relationships are not solely the preserve of adults -- that, in fact, the pattern can begin early. I think this is an important and timely book."
SEVEN DAYSLife is hard for Jess. School should be a safe place but at the moment it's everything Jess dreads, and it's made even more difficult by the threatening presence of Kez. Kez lives in a nicer part of town but her life isn't any sweeter. The only place she finds comfort is knowing she is better off than Jess – or so she thinks.
"I've just finished this book - it's a moving read, beautifully written. The story is told by Jess and Kez, the two main characters. As both sides of the story unfold we learn that nothing is as simple as it might first appear. The build-up to the climax of the book is swift and unsettling, and the end - well, I won't give it away - but it was very satisfying and thought-provoking. Highly recommended!"
"This is a truly wonderful story, really takes you into the world of a teen (both my children are now grown up) and the difficulties they face today. Really does make you want to laugh and cry, gets you really feeling for the characters. So sad to actually reach the end - i so hope there is a sequel."
I am experienced in working in schools in Pastoral and Child Protection roles. Alongside being an enthusiastic speaker and promoter for reading and creative writing, I can also deliver workshops and talk more specifically about bullying and/or toxic relationships.
If you are interested in booking a visit, please contact me using the form below, or connect with me through my Social Media links.
I'll be at Waterstones in Crawley on Saturday between 12pm – 3 pm for a book signing of my latest book TENDER which was released a couple of weeks ago. It would be great to see you there.