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Dreams of being a published author by 60

Inspired by Yours magazine competition

A nationwide competition by Yours magazine has inspired local woman, Diane Bowen, to pursue her dream of having her first illustrated children's poetry book published in time for her 60th birthday in July 2008.

With 60 being hailed as the new 40, Yours magazine asked its readers to compile ‘the’ definitive list of things to do before you hit the big six-o, and Diane took the plunge and entered. 

Valery McConnell, Editor of Yours magazine, said, “Yours readers are right up there when it comes to living life to the max, and we wanted them to help create the ultimate “60 must do things before 60” list!”

This is certainly true of Diane, who as a very busy person, doesn’t intend growing old gracefully!  As well as working full-time as a school secretary, she also sings in her local church choir, enjoys swimming, gardening, and drawing, and has previously had poems printed in the magazine, "Poetry Now".

Her real passion

Diane gained a place at art college when she left grammar school, but was persuaded to choose the more secure option of going to secretarial college.  However, to this day, her real passion is pen and ink drawing.   She has also had poems published by Forward Press, but her dream is to have an illustrated children’s poetry book accepted by a publisher in the non-too-distant future.

Diane said that when she saw the “60 Things” Competition in Yours magazine, she believed that this could be the perfect opportunity to achieve her ambition.

The entire list will be published in a future issue of the magazine and the dreams of three lucky winners will come true.

More about Yours magazine

Online at www.yours.co.uk