Wivenhoe author scores five part book deal in competition

Clare Hawkins, 72, who has lived in Essex for the past 35 years, is the winner of the Sapere Books writing competition in the gothic houses brief. 

She said: “I saw an ad in a writing magazine and asked to answer to a specific brief. The one that appealed most to me was the gothic houses series. 

“I have entered many competitions and this win was a great surprise.” 

Originally from Scotland, Mrs Hawkins, who is a former teacher, has always had a keen interest in literature and turned to writing in her later years. 

She attended the University of Essex and took a creative writing course, which she said was lovely has helped her a lot in understanding her own writing. 

Course - Mrs Hawkins attended the University of Essex where she took a creative writing course (Image: Newsquest)

Despite now turning her attention to haunted houses in rural Scotland, Mrs Hawkins is no stranger to Colchester’s history as she fictionalised the siege 1648 in “Lament for Siege Town”, which appeared 2015.  

The first book of the series will be based on an old cottage, where Mrs Hawkins' parents used to live, and which had the ideal setting for an intriguing story. 

She said: “It takes place in the mid 19th century, when the railways arrived in Scotland, but it will still be a mix of fact and fiction.” 

Her background and experience in writing historical fiction is a great asset, but every research comes with its challenges. 

“It can be quite difficult to find out specific details, particularly if you want the story to be as authentic as possible," she said. 

Author - Clare Hawkins has lived in Wivenhoe for 35 years (Image: Clare Hawkins)

“I get to write five books about different houses and I’ve started my research to find interesting houses in Scotland and England. 

“I want to develop my characters, at the moment they are a bit too cliché.” 

Mrs Hawkins is expecting to finish the first draft of the first book by September, and is hopeful for the journey of her new series. 

On her submission for the competition, assistant editor at Sapere, Natalie Linh Bolderston said: “Reading Clare’s submission, I was struck by the strength of her voice and how deftly she planted the seeds of the central mystery.  

“With Clare’s shrewd sense of pacing and her close attention to her story’s setting, it is clear that she has a gift for creating a sinister atmosphere.” 

When the series will be published is yet to be announced by publisher Sapere Books.