KAREN CONSTANTINE

I've always loved reading and writing, and back in 2015 I turned into self-styled self-taught journalist, as I endeavoured to become a local councillor in my adopted home town of Ramsgate Kent. There was a great deal to do here including fighting off Nigel Farage…and holding the Conservatives to account. The result of my efforts secured me a seat at Kent County Council for the past seven years, I set up a website, write a regular political column, and also appear frequently on TV and the radio... I became passionate about communicating with people, building pictures with words, describing complex circumstances simply, and using writing to make connections. Over the years I built my confidence and eventually I thought I'd try a creative writing course. Something I'd always wanted to do but put off.

Primary location: United Kingdom