Maggie shares her story this World Book Day

This World Book Day we’re celebrating the works of Maggie Redding, a resident at New Larchwood retirement scheme in Brighton. Maggie is proof that it’s never too late to start a new chapter in life.

Maggie started writing and publishing her own books since retiring and has completed  nine novels in the past 12 years. 

As a member of the LGBTIQA+ community, Maggie and her partner Sylvia Daly,  experienced  discrimination due to their sexuality, however  Maggie says that writing has helped her to overcome these challenges to find solutions within the fictional worlds she has created.

Maggie says:

The best thing about writing is creating my own world. My inspiration does not come from other writers, but from my own life and my own problems. I enjoy the act of writing and being in my own world – I see it not exactly as an escapism from my problems, but a way of facing up to them.

Through her writing Maggie created her own retirement scheme called “Faradise Park”, which she described as the “perfect place to live.”

Most of Maggie’s novels feature gay characters and explore the conflict that they face, but she also thinks it’s important to balance this by looking at the funny side of life too. “I enjoy humorous situations. Writing my novels has, all told, been a lot of fun. I find writing more satisfying than any work I ever had.”

Maggie and Sylvia have now found a safe and supportive community the New Larchwood retirement scheme located on the edge of Brighton. New Larchwood has been created specifically as an “LGBTIQA+ affirmative” place to live. Maggie continues to write and has no plans to slow down. 

Maggie says:

I’m really enjoying having the time to pursue my love of books and writing and it’s great that Anchor provides a comfortable and supportive environment for me to do so.

Sarah Turner, Resident Involvement and Wellbeing Manager, says: 

We will always encourage and support our residents across care and housing to pursue hobbies and passions that help them to love later life. People of all ages can enjoy writing and literature – it brings people together to celebrate the art of storytelling. It’s fantastic to see our residents sharing their achievements – we look forward to reading Maggie’s books!

Maggie’s novels are available to buy from Amazon here.  We look forward to seeing what Maggie writes next!