Kelly Holman
Writing and Photography
I am a ‘country’ girl, the granddaughter of a smallholder who kept pigs in the environs of a crumbling watermill. I love the countryside and aspire to follow in his footsteps.
At fifteen I won the H.E. Bates Short Story and Poetry Competitions. Initially awarded second prize for my short story, I was ‘promoted’ after it was discovered that the winning entry owed a large debt of gratitude to H.G. Wells! Teenage self-absorption meant I never doubted mine was just as good.
My love of language led me to study French and German at the Universities of London and Kent. I have lived in Germany and on the South West coast of France. My love of France is unquenchable and, true to my country girl roots, I find myself drawn to its every idyllic rural corner. I am a qualified translator.
Whilst my childhood dream was always to be a writer, my path to professional writing has been circumlocutory. I have worked as a translator, in PR – providing engaging material for the farming and countryside press -, and in the field of complementary health. I remain a qualified reflexologist specialising in maternity, multiple sclerosis and stress.
Of course it is these life experiences which enrich my writing. I have a passionate interest in the countryside, in wildlife, in health and wellbeing, in travel, in food (both growing it and making it) and, of course, in all things French.
To relax I play the ‘cello, tend my large cottage garden and love walking, baking and watching ‘Match of the Day’ on Saturday nights.
