Gillian Leggat

Biography

Gillian Leggat is a prolific writer who has been teaching English and writing books for more than three decades. She has published more than seventy books in a wide variety of genres, including Adult Novels, an Adult Memoir, Young Adult Fiction, Picture Books for young children, supplementary readers and other educational material for use in high school English classes. She has a particular interest in writing picture books and YA fiction. Currently, she teaches English (the Cambridge curriculum) to IG and AS students at a tutor centre in Cape Town. She has also designed and run writing classes at an adult education centre. She has taken advantage of lockdown to complete her first book for Smashwords, an adult novel entitled Meltdown Miracles. She loves living in Cape Town and enjoys walking along the beach, attending cultural events - when not in lockdown! - and being involved in her local church. Gillian has three adult children, one grandchild and one grandchild on the way.

Smashwords Interview

Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
While I don't remember the first story I actually wrote, I remember like it was yesterday the first book of mine that was ever published. It was a children's picture book entitled, The Biggest Pizza, and was based on a trip to my local supermarket where they were trying to make the biggest pizza ever. As I was teaching Geography at the time, I had great fun using an iron and steel works as my setting for the baking of that pizza. It was a hilarious story that I really enjoyed writing.
What is your writing process?
I always write by hand first before I type out my material. I find that a pen in my hand pressing down on the paper helps my ideas to flow - sometimes fast and furiously, almost as if I am indulging myself in 'free writing'. At other times, my ideas come more slowly; I look at the view (my favourite place to generate ideas and to write is on my sunny, sheltered balcony overlooking the Fish Hoek hills), think about what I want to say, indulge myself in 'writer's thoughts.' Once I have finished a section, I type it up, editing as I do so. Obviously at the end of that whole process, especially if it's a long manuscript, I print the whole thing out, make changes, re-draft until I am 'reasonably' satisfied. Is a writer ever completely satisfied with what he/she has written? I'd be curious to know, because I certainly think in my own writing there's always room for improvement.
Read more of this interview.

Books

Firm Foundations
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 61,530. Language: English. Published: November 27, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Christian » Contemporary, Fiction » Inspirational
What is the foundation of life? Claire and Richard find out the hard way as they tackle difficult obstacles together. But they are not alone: their rock is solid and their foundation is firm. This relevant novel will resonate with readers. who will empathise with nostalgic memories, joyful reunions, the fight against corruption and triumphing through trials. An inspiring, romantic book of hope.
Meltdown Miracles
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 64,340. Language: English. Published: September 25, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Inspirational
Who will win the epic battle between health and sickness, life and death? Khaila or Covid? The topical novel, Meltdown Miracles, explores the universal themes of good versus evil; trust versus betrayal. It is a thought-provoking, intriguing read which explores the fundamental difference between evil characters bent on killing and destroying, and good characters who dispense hope and encouragement.