Paula Sheridan
My name is Paula Sheridan, though I grew up as Paula Hawkins (not that girl on the train!) and also write novels under the name of Paula Wynne. There are three Paulas wriggling around inside me!
It was during my childhood and youth in South Africa that I was blessed to have Penrose Matsile in my life. He was a guiding light - a grandfatherly presence who profoundly shaped me during the country's darkest times.
Storytelling has always been my passion. I still remember when my mother, grandmother and Penrose, would read me adventure tales at bedtime, transporting me to magical worlds that ignited my imagination. Those cherished moments opened my eyes to the power of stories to inspire us and bring people together. Of course, I'd always try to bargain for just one more story before lights out!
As a child, I always looked forward to the times my parents would go out and leave my eldest sister to babysit me and my younger siblings. We'd turn over the claw-footed antique coffee table and position me, my brother and two sisters at each one of the legs. Hanging on for dear life, we would fly off to faraway lands for adventures vividly told from our active imaginations.
The folks never knew what caused all those scratches on the precious coffee table! (Sorry Ma!) But we sure had some wild fantasies over the years that became a bit too enthusiastic!
The Grotto’s Secret, is my début novel and won The People's Book Prize in 2017. The sequel The Sacred Symbol was published in December 2018 and immediately shot into the bestseller charts. The third book in the Torcal Trilogy is The Luna Legacy and the prequel is Elixa.
Writing Love
Harbouring a near-obsessive love of learning the craft of writing, I have been scribbling down the stories in my head ever since I can remember. When I'm not day-dreaming up new plots while walking my Springer Spaniel in the Andalusian countryside, I'm the editor of Book Luver, Page Turner Awards and Secret World Retreat.
After a career as a publicist, marketer and freelance writer, I became a speaker, and I'm often invited onto BBC Radio. I've been featured in various magazines and on ITV. At home, I'm is mum to Kent and puppy Dexter. My husband Ken and I starred in the BBC Show, Escape to the Continent, which showed our quest to 'retire' to Spain.
Moving to Spain fulfilled my lifelong dream to write novels. During the hunt for our new home in rural Andalusia, we found a beautiful home with stunning views down the Valle del Guadalhorce towards Malaga and Marbella. But retirement was never on the cards. Instead, we founded Book Luver's reading community and Page Turner Awards international writing competition for writers, authors and screenwriters.
Animal Love
I'm a passionate animal advocate and have rescued over 50 cats and 10 dogs since my husband, Ken, and I moved to our Writing Retreat home in Andalusia ten years ago. Of those rescues, seven have become cherished members of our family, each with their unique personalities and quirks. They've joined forces with our beloved Springer Spaniel, who made the journey with us and has since taken on the role of 'Chief Mischief Officer.'
Dexter, our Spaniel extraordinaire, has a knack for finding trouble in the most unexpected places. From his daring attempts to 'liberate' treats from the kitchen counter to his enthusiastic 'redecorating' of our garden, Dexter's antics keep us on our toes and in stitches.
His playful adventures have even inspired me to write a children's book series, featuring a certain four-legged hero with a talent for creating chaos and laughter in equal measure. And I'm going to immortalize my beloved cat, Freddie, with his own chapter chapter-book series!
Living with our furry crew is never dull—it's like having a front-row seat to a daily comedy show! Their antics and personalities bring endless joy and inspiration to our lives, and I couldn't be more grateful for the laughter and love they bring to our Writing Retreat.
Business Awards
Winner of BT Small Business Week 'Responsible Business Day' Award
Winner of BT FreshIdeas Events Mentor Competition
Nominated Top 100 Business in Barclays Trading Places Award
Runner Up in the Enterprise Challenge in the 2009 Enterprising Women Awards
Finalist for Best Online Business in Women on their Way Awards
Blue Drop Awards: Best Social Website
The Guardian: Nominated in Home Business Showcase
Forbes: Nominated in 100 Best Websites For Women
UK Office
- 24 Caunter Road,
Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 1QZ, UK - +44 02081336375
- For general enquiries: Email via this form
EU Office
- Sierra Blanquilla,
Almogia, Malaga, Spain, 29150 - +44 0208 133 6375 or +34 722669103
- For general enquiries: Email via this form