Lesley Mace

About My Writing  

   

I have been writing since 2003 and have written over a hundred short stories, many of which have been published or have won prizes in competitions. I write in genres including: crime, horror, literary, supernatural, historical and contemporary. Helped by a grant from Arts Council England, I completed a novel, 'Fathoming Shadows', in 2008. I am seeking representation for this book.      

I am currently working on a crime fiction book set in Victorian London.   

I coordinate the writers’ group, The Stortford Scribblers in my home town of Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, England.      

Authors' Register:

About My Background  

The first story I had published was in 'Hertfordshire Life'. It was a 6,000 word story about a ghost walk and local history (in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire) and it was serialised in three episodes. 'Hertfordshire Life'also published a Victorian Christmas story about St Albans.  

My story 'The Parrots of Penzance' was published in 'The Lady' magazine at the beginning of February 2005. 'Writers Forum' have published my stories 'Treason and Plot', 'The Final Stunner' and 'After the Sirens', two of them as first prize winners. I have also had stories published by 'Yours' magazine, 'The Weekly News', 'The Boston Literary Magazine', 'Bewildering Stories' and in the University of Chester's 'Flash' magazine. 

In 2007 I wrote a monologue, 'Morning Glory' which was performed in London by The Total Beast theatre company.  

In 2008 I completed my first book, 'Fathoming Shadows' after winning an Escalator award that led to funding from Arts Council England. I am seeking an agent to represent me. 

My Books

 

Fathoming Shadows

  
Genre: Historical/Crime

 
 The book is set partly in Cornwall in the 1830s and partly in Cornwall and London in 2008.  

Imagine a Cornish setting: cliffs; caves; fishermen and smugglers. Imagine a twisty-beamed pub dating from the 1600's and a local story that resonates through time. Helen Somerville, a TV producer, wants to use this outstanding landscape and scenery to make a television programme that will transport her audience back in time to uncover the truth behind the historical disappearence of local huer Matthew Laity.  

Jed Blackwell is the leader of the Marazion smugglers in the 1830s. When he murders an exciseman there are dire consequences and the secrets and lies that the Blackwell family have been living with, begin to unravel. There is grave danger for Matthew, the sweetheart of Jed's sister, Emily.  

Helen's discoveries about Matthew's disappearance are sensational and, dramatically, the final revelation takes place on camera as she helps to lay the ghosts of the past. I am seeking representation for this book.  


 
 Read an Extract 


 

Awards, Prizes and Commendations

 
  In 2004 Lesley won an International Poetry Competition called 'The Battle of the Bards'. The poem was called 'Reflections on Water' and was written in collaboration with Elaine Warden and Eleanor Thomson. In November 2005 I won a place in the Escalator Scheme, run by 'New Writing Types' which helped me to achieve the Arts Grant.  

  Also in 2004 Lesley was a runner up in the Ottaker and Faber poetry competition with a poem called 'Sestina for Lewana'  

  In 2005 Lesley was an Escalator Award Winner for her story, 'Morning Glory'. 

  In January 2006 Lesley's story, 'Treason and Plot' was published by 'Writers'Forum' as a first prize winner. 

  In February 2006 Lesley was awarded a Grant by Arts Council England in order to finish my book, 'Fathoming the Shadows'. 

  In June 2006 four of Lesley's poems and short stories were Highly Commended or shortlisted for the National Association of Writers awards 

  In January 2007 'Broken Glass' won third prize in a Creating Reality competition judged by Emilia Di Giralamo. You can read this story at: http://www.creatingreality.co.uk/flash.html   

  In August 2007 'Morning Glory'(adapted as a play) was performed in London by the Total Beast Theatre Company.