Anyone who talks about her ‘inner history geek’ is my kind of writer, so I’m pleased to welcome Rachael Hale to the website. She is a freelance writer with a passion for Kent’s historical people and places. She lives near Tonbridge and writes a blog for Kent Life magazine. This means she spends much of her time clambering around dusty old buildings or asking lots of nosy questions, both of which suit her perfectly, and you can find out more about her exploits here and here. It’s fascinating reading.

Here are Rachael’s five sentences:

When you were small, you wanted to … be a show jumper. From the age of four I was pony mad. Growing up, I spent every weekend working at a local yard in return for lessons and when my parents moved to Wales, when I was 13, they bribed me with a pony. Sadly, I had to sell him when I started work and moved back to Kent but my parents are still on their mountain, with my riding hat and boots, just in case.

The one thing you can never resist is … Five more minutes in bed, with or without my boys.

You may not say it aloud but… that’s mostly because it’s something stupid.

The last time you went ‘WOOP’ with excitement was … Actually I’ve done quite a lot of insane grinning recently, my writing buddy Angela Buckley has got a publishing deal, my husband’s business is expanding and, as the school holidays are here, I’m looking forward to a day trip to the Olympics and some relaxed, although probably wet, time on the beach.

I’m also starting a new research and writing role with Kent County Council’s ‘History Bites’ project in September. I’ll still be researching Kent’s historical people and places but this time I’ll be writing them up for Maidstone’s new Kent History and Library Centre. It has over 14 kilometres of historic material relating to Kent and dating back to 699 AD – just the thought of it makes me shiver with excitement. I also have six Kent based author profiles and a ‘Meet the MD’ piece in the September issue of Kent Life magazine and a new joint non-fiction project in the pipeline, so I have lots to be wooping about.

Your five favourite words are …. ‘I love you’ and ‘Hello Mummy’.

Additional thoughts:

Favourite writing place in Kent:

My new desk. After years of working at the dining table I have now kicked the boys out of their playroom and grabbed a place in the bay window. I can’t believe the difference it makes just having everything in the same room – it’s wonderful!

A book about Kent or by a Kent writer you would recommend:

My favourite non-fiction books are the ‘Kent Chronicle’ series by Bob Ogley. Bob was born in Sevenoaks and was a journalist for over 30 years. He’s written over 20 books and shown me that local history doesn’t have to be dry and boring and, as a regular guest speaker I hope to hear him one day. You can find out more about him here.

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Thanks Rachael! A gold medal to you…. and I’m wondering if this is what you saw on your day at the Olympics!