About the Author

Jacquelynn Luben

Jacquelynn Luben is the author of four books, having started with the publication of two non-fiction books, before moving on to fiction. Her novel, 'Tainted Tree', which won second prize at the Winchester Writers' Conference and her novella, 'A Bottle of Plonk' were published by Goldenford Publishers in, respectively, 2008 and 2005, in print format, and are both now available as ebooks. Jacquelynn has also written many short stories and articles.

Jacquelynn Luben started writing in her twenties, but it became a particularly important part of her life after the death of her baby daughter in 1971. At a time when the term ‘cot death’ was hardly known, she wrote articles to describe the nature of the syndrome, and to publicise the support groups that were then available and subsequently, when short pieces did not seem adequate to describe her experience, she wrote her full length autobiographical book, 'The Fruit of the Tree'. Whilst attempting to find a publisher, she was commissioned to write a self help book by Thorsons Publishing Group. Acting as a 'befriender' for The Foundation for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome gave her an insight into the different reactions of bereaved parents, and she carried out further interviews to show that there could be a variety of views. 'Cot Deaths - Coping with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome' came out in 1986, and was brought out in a new edition by Bedford Square Press in 1989. She carried out two publicity tours, which involved her in radio interviews, appearing on Sky TV, and, in addition, the book received many reviews.

With 'The Fruit of the Tree' still unpublished, Jacquelynn Luben looked into the practicalities of self publishing. She was featured on the Punters' programme on Radio Four, when she carried out an investigation into the editorial policy of various magazines, and also interviewed a 'vanity' publisher, though this was not a route she wished to take.

In 1992, the 21st anniversary year of her daughter’s death, she published 'The Fruit of the Tree'. Having learned a great deal from the publication of her other book, she was able to achieve publicity in The Oldie, The Daily Mail, Chic Magazine, The Jewish Chronicle and The Surrey Advertiser, amongst others, as well as interviews on local radio. The book has recently been reprinted.

Her interest in writing extends to membership of the Guildford Writers' Circle and, in addition, she spent several years studying for a degree with the University of Surrey, as a mature student. Her dissertation was on 'Harry Potter' and other children's books, and she graduated in June 2002.

Jacquelynn Luben has had articles published by Mother & Baby, Writers' Forum and The Heating & Ventilating Engineer, amongst others and was a regular contributor to Writers’ News for three years. She gives talks to Surrey groups on self-publishing and publicity, and has taken part in the Guildford Book Festival. Her main interest is in fiction, now, and several of her short stories have been short-listed in prestigious competitions. In addition, four of her stories are currently published on line by www.untreedreads.com. She is currently working on a new novel, 'Innocent Bystanders'.

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