I’ve been researching and writing Dora’s story for several years now. Trying to find a publisher for my novel about her is a depressing and, so far, unsuccessful marathon. However, I entered a biography competition with the Society of Women Writers and Journalists (SWWJ), in spite of it all, and found some writing success at last!
They only wanted 1500 words but I have written so many synopses and blog posts that I found it quite easy to tell her story in these few words. I didn’t win the competition but my entry was Highly Commended, which pleased me.
The judges said: ‘This piece is an unearthing and airing of what is – regrettably – a barely-known history. Portraying Dora’s personal and professional development in the face of adversity, it also evokes an era of advancement and relative liberation for women in Britain and Ireland. The strong, affecting opening (the loss of Dora’s fiancé at Gallipoli) suggests that the story will go in one direction, but in fact it expands to become something quite different, just as Dora’s life did.’
Just as well I didn’t win, as the prize is being presented at the House of Lords on May 1st, when I will be away. Phew! It was good to have the importance of Dora’s story acknowledged and I was pleased that the key themes came across clearly.
I look forward to reading the winning entry, about a pioneering, Bauhaus trained woman called Lotte Stam-Beese, who was Chief Architect for the rebuilding of Rotterdam after the Second World War.
Power On 