Ruth Raymer MA

I am a writer. Sounds a bit like a confession doesn't it. I suppose in a way it is, because I have spent so long doing so many other things in my life, that to finally write 'I am a writer' seems almost incredible.

I am also currently a PhD student at the University of Essex, UK. My PhD research is funded through CHASE DTP (Consortium for the Humanities and Arts in South East England, Doctoral Training Partnership). My thesis is concerned with the concept of Home, and what that means to people at different times and stages of their lives.

I am a Psychogeographer, investigating the way that places affect our emotions and behaviours.

You can follow what's going on in my research life on my blog at www.walkwriteon.com

In my life beyond academia and writing, I am a mother, grandmother and wife, who enjoys an eclectic collection of books, music, crystals, tarot cards, and large amounts of wine-making and baking paraphernalia. I have also developed a rather large collection of notebooks and have been known to stand in stationer's shops, stroking paper.

I recently achieved one of my dreams - to have a writing room to call my own, a space no-one can enter unless I let them in. I call it my 'Ladyshed', which, according to my brother is a travesty against all true sheds (which of course contain tools, car parts, assorted garden implements and other manly things) yet I find myself in the good company of many other creative ladies. My shed is not just a writing room, it's the place where my words can grow and take shape. All that, and it's mine!