It was never part of the plan to move to rural Somerset. I was born and raised in an industrial town in West Yorkshire in the 1970’s, but after my family made the move ‘down south’ in the early eighties, I mainly lived in and around London to be within commuting distance of the various corporate jobs I had. During those years, I would have very much described myself as a ‘city girl,’ and used to say I needed to be within walking distance of a coffee shop and a shoe shop in order to survive!
It was a throwaway comment that started off the process of relocation. During a particularly stressful time at work, a colleague who was based in rural Somerset said to me that I should think about moving somewhere quieter, with access to nature. I initially sniffed at the thought, but the more she talked about driving home after a hard day and the peace that she found in the countryside where she lived (on the border of the Quantocks) the more attractive it began to sound.
A couple of years later, a job came up, working for that same (now former) colleague and I decided to give it a go, little knowing then that the move would change my life. I commuted at first, continuing to live in the south east, while working Monday to Thursday in Somerset, but after a while, the lure was too strong, and I made the move permanently. I now live around ten miles outside of Taunton, on a single-track road in the middle of the countryside, only a mile away from my lovely friend who persuaded me down here. The move was truly transformational for me. At first I found it difficult to get to sleep, due to the darkness and silence, but it didn’t take me long to fully embrace my new life, and to love the lush green fields and hills, and stunning solitude. I found myself feeling more peaceful and aware than I had done for a long time. I even got a dog (a rescue Staffie, from St Giles Animal Centre near Langport), something I had never even considered before, not wanting either the mess or the responsibility, but Rocco became a much loved, constant companion in this new life.
Something about the environment woke up a long dormant part of myself and within in a year of moving down here I had left my job and begun to write, an aspiration since childhood. In the morning I would walk Rocco, through the fields around us (sometimes for miles without seeing another human), then I would get home and write for the rest of the day. My writing room is my favourite room in the house and looks out over more gorgeous greenery and hills. I can spend hours looking at the view while I work out the words and the stories I want to tell. This shift to being someone who is aware of and cares about the nature around them is one that is a constant surprise. I am currently obsessed with the nest of swallows in my porch. There are at least six of them, and they rule the roost (pardon the pun) waking me every morning at 4am and flying in and out of the house all day if I leave the door open. I am more likely to be found wearing wellies than Jimmy Choos these days, though admittedly I have many pairs, all in different colours.
Whenever I am in need of more human connection, there is a rich network of other writers based around here as well. The author Meg Clothier lives nearby, and I often see people such as Chris Ewan, the crime writer, when I am working in Taunton Waterstones (which I do at Christmas). If I am in need of a city fix, Bristol and Bath are both easily accessible, and I often visit lovely Frome, where I have friends, as well as the gorgeous indie bookshop Hunting Raven. It’s not just the rural life I love; every Sunday I drive to Burnham on sea to walk along the beach or one of the other seaside towns that are all within easy reach. Somerset truly is my favourite place to be.
I am pleased to say that the writing resulted in my first novel – The List of Suspicious Things - being published in February this year. Since it became a Sunday Times Bestseller, I have been travelling extensively, to events and literary festivals, to talk about the book and meet readers. It’s been an incredibly exciting time, and a real whirlwind, but the feeling I get when I return to Somerset is like no other, as home has truly become my sanctuary, and the place where I feel most myself. That feeling is very precious to me. I am excited to have begun my second novel, as this means I have months of writing at home ahead of me. I will always be grateful for this beautiful place – it has changed my life.
THE LIST OF SUSPICIOUS THINGS
Yorkshire, 1979
Maggie Thatcher is prime minister, drainpipe jeans are in, and Miv is convinced that her dad wants to move their family Down South.
Because of the murders.
Leaving Yorkshire and her best friend Sharon simply isn't an option, no matter the dangers lurking round their way; or the strangeness at home that started the day Miv's mum stopped talking.
Perhaps if she could solve the case of the disappearing women, they could stay after all?
So, Miv and Sharon decide to make a list: a list of all the suspicious people and things down their street. People they know. People they don't.
But their search for the truth reveals more secrets in their neighbourhood, within their families - and between each other - than they ever thought possible.
What if the real mystery Miv needs to solve is the one that lies much closer to home?
Twitter - @jennieg_author,
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Jennie will be talking at the Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival on Sunday November 17 at 12 noon. visitdulverton.com/dulverton-exmoor-literary-festival/ to pre-book tickets.
