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Join me as I share my thoughts, ideas, and reflections on books and reading, on writing and editing, and on submitting and publishing.
Follow my journey from initial idea to the publication of my debut novel – A Year Without a Summer.
Get creative as I share writing prompts and activities.
Who am I?
Hi, I’m Lesley Bungay and I am a writer, and it’s taken many years for me to feel confident saying that. I write novels, short stories, flash and micro fiction, and the occasional Haiku.
I grew up in the Northeast, a Geordie at heart, and now live in Hampshire with my husband, a little further from the sea than I’d like. I am a mother of two grown up children and am enjoying the wonders of becoming a granny.
Having worked for fifteen years as an Advisory Teacher for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, I understand the importance of communication – in all it’s forms – for expressing our wants, needs, desires, thoughts, feelings, emotions, and ideas.
Writing gives me a voice in a noisy world.
Where did it all start?
My journey began with a Creative Writing module with the Open University, part of my BA (Hons) in English Language and Literature. I had no expectations of the course (other than to pass) but quickly found words and stories were part of me, I just didn’t realise I could write them down.
In 2019 I started taking my writing seriously and entered a few competitions. I had some early success, including being shortlisted in the H.G. Wells Short Story competition. Seeing my story published in the ‘TIME’ Volume was a massive boost to my confidence and belief in myself as a writer.
Since then I’ve had short stories and flash fiction published in a number of print anthologies as well as online publication with Wensum Literary Magazine, Cranked Anvil, Paragraph Planet, 101 Words, 50 word stories, and have featured in National Flash Flood Day.
I reached the top 100 of the Cheshire Novel Prize 2023 with my debut novel, which gave me the confidence and belief that one day I’d see it published.
Where am I now?
That day came on 7th May 2026 when A Year Without A Summer was published by Barnard Publishing Ltd
Where next?
Well, why not come along for the ride
Finding my tribe
I’ve learnt that community is an important part of being a writer. I love meeting people who share my interests in books and stories, and those who understand the trials of carving out time to write; the difficulties of putting your stories out there; and the joy of seeing your words in print. I’d love to connect with you.
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