Becoming a Published Author: Q&A with Adult Learning Tutor, Rachel Munro

I'm a lecturer for adult learning at Newcastle Campus and Keele in Town. I currently teach GCSE and Functional Skills English and also Introduction to Business and Accounting.

I studied at Newcastle College from 2004 - 2006. I took A Levels in English Language/Literature, Sociology, Psychology and Philosophy. 

For most of my time at college, I was weighing up whether to train as a vet or chef although I loved literature, but couldn't see a stable career in it until one of my lecturers suggested I looked into teaching and the jigsaw pieces suddenly fell into place.

A lecturer once told me that the world doesn't simply revolve around exams and the last 2 years of college were also going to be valuable experiences for me and that is something I have definitely carried through life. She taught me that good results from day 1 and putting in the work from the start is worth it. I definitely like to pass this advice onto my adult learners as they think about retraining and their future career options.

'Ephemeral Power' is a gripping tale of family secrets, hidden abilities and the struggle for control. As paramedics rush to the scene of a shocking incident, a young man's extraordinary powers are unleashed in a moment of desperation. With his family torn apart and his future uncertain, he must navigate a world where danger lurks at every turn. As dark closes in, he must confront his own inner demons and harness his ephemeral power to protect those he loves. A thrilling and emotional journey of self-discovery.

After many years of teaching in secondary schools, I have seen my fair share of outbursts! I always found it astounding that even a small child could flip a table when in 'fight or flight' mode. The science of it fascinated me and that when threatened, our brain almost supercharges our nervous system to be able to do extra-ordinary feats. I couldn't help but think - imagine if we could control that ability.

Trust me, when you get an idea like that in your head, it eventually bursts out! Scraps of paper covered with notes started to appear around the house and eventually I put them together.

Despite starting this story in my twenties, only once I'd had my two children did it finally come to fruition. I realised that I wanted to become a role model to those in my life and it gave me the motivation to see it through. I hope it inspires all learners both young and old to use the unexpected obstacles life throws at us to our advantage. Let the toils of life make you more emphathetic, astute and magnificent!

I've been teaching extracts extracts by Orwell and Dickens to my GCSE students for years and to be used in the same context as them - quite frankly is awesome and I am still in disbelief! Fingers crossed, using my book gave them a taste and left them want to go and consume a whole novel.

Follow this link to order: Olympia Publishers | Ephemeral Power by Rachel Munro or at my book launch at Keele in Town in Newcastle-under-Lyme Town Centre on 12th June between 11am and 1pm.