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MANDI ALLEN

HI THERE,

I'M MANDI

I wasn’t always a writer, but I have always taught. It started with me teaching business to people who were throwing it all in to buy into their dream of owning a pub.

Actually, I have always been a writer, I just didn't recognise at the time that was what I was doing. Writing for businesses and local newspapers, and reviewing local bands was more ‘journalism’ than creative.

In 2017 I started The Coffeehouse Writer’s Group with just a single advert on Facebook. I didn't expect much. That first meeting I had 22 people turn up. We’ve met every month since that July and our numbers have grown. That led me to start The Coffeehouse Writer allowing me to work with some amazing writers.

I grew up

...in the sleepy seaside town of Southport, Lancashire, which provided the perfect backdrop for childhood adventure.

From summers hiding on islands to learning to dance with my best friend, reading books left behind by guests of my parents (not always age-appropriate), I took it all in. I started writing my own, expanding the world of The Chalet School girls (Elinor Brent-Dyer). If only I had listened to Miss Gillow in high school, I’d have been writing novels and screenplays a lot sooner.

A lack of confidence has always stopped me from living my dreams. It didn't stop me helping others as a teacher.

Currently...

You can probably find me sipping herbal tea at my desk with a curled-up cat on one side and on the other, a curled-up dog, Pearl.

...I'll also have approximately 93 windows open on my Mac, my phone on with another 27 tabs open, and two notebooks; one for neat for rough thinking/writing (this goes back to school days). One notebook is filled with ways I can help writers improve their writing and achieve their plans. Plus a new fav, a slimline notepad.

Living my best life!.

My Favourite Things

What do I love? So many things! I've come to realise my constant changing of hobbies comes from having ADHD, I love it! I get to experience so many different things that I can add to my writing. I once as part of a career change took part in an autopsy, I have been a radio presenter and owned a rock bar.

Being a mum is top of my favourite things, it keeps me young, has provided so many possibilities, and as given me more joy than I could ever ask for. 💖

Nowadays, I indulge my creative side more, I love writing plays, which led me to start the Page to Stage events showcasing new talent in partnership with my favourite charity Park St Theatre, Hull. 🌟

I'm an avid researcher of anything and everything! Great for the film scripts I write, though I have to set an alarm to get me back out of the rabbit holes I often find myself in. 😅

I recently took up paddle boarding, I'm not up to the stage of doing yoga (another love) on the board but there is still time and I enjoy designing stationery as much as I enjoy writing. 🚣