Dawn Brookes
Festival founder and author, Dawn Brookes started writing seriously three years ago.
I worked in the NHS for many years, and I was working late one night, reminiscing about life as a trainee. I thought how nice it would be to recapture those early nursing days so I began writing my first memoir. I almost gave up after I lost half the work when my computer crashed a few months later, and didn’t write for a year! In 2016, I broke my foot in three places. Unable to drive, and bored, I picked up the laptop and finished the memoir in six weeks – Hurry up Nurse: memoirs of nurse training in the 1970s was the result. This book has been a consistent kindle bestseller for over 15 months in the USA and at times in the UK.
In my early career, I moved to London, working at the London Chest Hospital in Bethnal Green. My time in London is covered in my second memoir – Hurry up Nurse 2: London calling.
I write across genres, more recently focussing on a cosy mystery series based around my love of cruising. The first book in this series, A Cruise to Murder. I have recently finished the writing the fifth, A Christmas Cruise Murder. I should have the sixth book available in time for the festival this year.
This year I will be chairing a panel and opening the festival before overseeing the smooth running throughout the day
9am Breakfast & News from Today 1945
Join a panel of authors including festival founder, Dawn Brookes, Anthony Poulton-Smith and ex servicewoman/author Wendy H. Jones. They will host an informal discussion of the headlines and news trivia from 23rd May 1945. Copies of local and national newspapers will be available to peruse.
You will also be able to enjoy a hot drink and croissant. Munch while you muse!
