BRIDGET WHELAN writer

for writers and readers….

About

 MY FICTION WRITING career was given a $4,000 kick-start when I won first prize in an international short story competition. That gave me the confidence to study for a Masters degree in Creative and Life Writing at Goldsmiths College. Two years later I was back as a lecturer in creative writing.
My first novel, A GOOD CONFESSION, was published in 2008 and centred on a love affair between a Catholic priest and a young widow. My second novel is about three women friends living in London in the late 1980s who are caught up in a miscarriage of justice. It is a work in progress. I’ve been saying that for quite awhile. It is still true.

November 2013 I published BACK TO CREATIVE WRITING SCHOOL – 30 witty and practical exercises designed to defeat the blank page.

While putting this website together Kurt Vonnegut’s first and most important rule of writing has been my guide.
“Use the time of a total stranger in such a way that he or she will not feel the time was wasted.” Hope it’s worked…

35 comments on “About

  1. cathum
    October 2, 2012

    Nice pages Bridget. I just found you through ‘What the Dickens’.

    • bridget whelan
      October 3, 2012

      Welcome and how nice to meet you through What the Dickens. I love doing the Desert Island Reads….Elizabeth Haynes’ eight books have left me itching to read more thriller/crime and work through her recommendations.

  2. ann perrin
    October 3, 2012

    You are a genius, I love your writing, your enthusiasm and generosity of spirit within the writing communtiy

    • bridget whelan
      October 3, 2012

      And I didn’t even pay you to say any of that! Thanks Ann…now my head’s swollen to twice its size I will have to get rid of that ancient battered Laura Ashley hat…

  3. Simone Davy
    November 5, 2012

    I loved your article on suspense. It helped me write a short story called Waiting for You. Polishing it up now. So thank you.

    • bridget whelan
      November 5, 2012

      Thanks Simone – so glad to learn that the exercise on injecting suspense helped you write a new short story. (Great title by the way). Good luck with it

      • Simone
        November 6, 2012

        Thank you Bridget. May send it to the New Writer.

  4. sharon himsl
    March 23, 2013

    Good information on writing here. Twice this week someone has mentioned the value of music to me. Will follow via rss feed. Look forward to your a-z!

  5. The Story Reading Ape
    May 2, 2013

    What a great site Bridget,, I will be back 🙂

  6. bridget whelan
    May 2, 2013

    Thank you – have just started to follow you at the Story Reading Ape – fascinating and you’ve done so much in such a short time

  7. The Story Reading Ape
    May 2, 2013

    Have to keep moving ahead of the hunters 🙂

  8. Drops of Ink
    September 8, 2013

    I’m honored to have you as a new follower, and look forward to reading all of your wonderful posts. 🙂

  9. Expat Eye
    September 8, 2013

    Hi Bridget, thanks for following my blog and giving me the chance to discover yours! Linda.

  10. bridget whelan
    September 8, 2013

    Glad to have you!

  11. Alexander Atkins
    December 22, 2013

    Bridget: Thank you so much for visiting Bookshelf and posting likes and following. Appreciate readers like you who love the English language and literature. Look forward to reading your posts. Cheers, Alex.

  12. ksbeth
    February 23, 2014

    so happy to have come upon your page, bridget. i look forward to reading more from you. and thank you so much for reading and following mine as well. best, beth

  13. claudenougat
    April 27, 2014

    Happy to meet you, Bridget, I just came across your post on cli-fi as I was researching the genre. I see we have very similar interests and views on literature!

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  15. Jane Risdon
    September 19, 2014

    Good luck with all your writing. 🙂

  16. Ol' Big Jim
    January 8, 2015

    Congratulations! I have just given you the Very Inspiring Blog Award. Of course, you are under no obligation to accept it, but if you do please visit my blog to find the award and the rules for acceptance. Whatever your decision, let me thank you for being a constant inspiration to your readers!

  17. Thom Hickey
    June 6, 2015

    Thanks for following The Immortal Jukebox Bridget. I hope you have found lots to entertain you and perhaps made some discoveries. If you haven’t visited for some time check it out again! Good luck with your lively and useful blog. Regards Thom.

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  19. noelleg44
    January 2, 2016

    Hi Bridget! Thanks for following my blog. Hope I can entertain you with my writing!

  20. kvennarad
    January 14, 2016

    What an interesting blog!

  21. beetleypete
    April 11, 2016

    Thanks for the follow, Bridget. It is much appreciated.
    Best wishes from Norfolk.
    Pete.

  22. LionAroundWriting
    August 1, 2016

    Interesting.
    Good quote, I like to think thats how I approach writing and blogging.

  23. Tom Ashmore
    September 3, 2016

    Had a rare to visit Brighton on Friday with Susan to the probate office. Decided to go for a meal when I see the sign with your name,, shame was missed you by about one hour. Nice meal in the Cote. See you next trip hopefully. Tom A.

    • bridget whelan
      September 7, 2016

      What a conicidence that you should be next to the pop up where I was writer in residence for one hugely enjoyable hour! Next time…

  24. David K
    December 2, 2016

    Hi, Bridget. I’m currently working through your book ‘Back to Creative Writing School’ and just wanted to say that it’s helped me tremendously. Thank you for the wonderful inspiration!

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