BIO
My name is Annie Hope. I am a writer with lived experience as a family member of someone who has had the Knock.
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I have children, and in the fallout of media coverage, following a loved one’s offending, we were forced to flee our home leaving our whole lives behind. We had to change our names and start a new life.
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I lost my career in the process, suffered significant financial losses, and was faced with endless challenges when trying to return to paid work, including lack of available childcare places.
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The struggle of making ends meet on state benefits in a cost-of-living crisis, subject to the benefit cap and not receiving state support for all of my children (due to the child limit) almost drove me to the edge.
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I have set up Annie Hope Writer website because writing is my passion.
I am a highly creative, adaptable, and agile individual, as evidenced by my ability to survive the multiple challenges thrown my way.
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At a time when the written word and storytelling are of paramount importance to charities, organisations, businesses and individuals, I am here to assist you with all of your writing needs.
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​I have a degree in English, a postgraduate certificate in humanities (creative writing), and an MA (creative writing). I am also a certified content marketer.
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In the fallout of the Knock I had to postpone my MA. I was devastated but also determined to complete the course, and against all odds, and whilst navigating trauma, I achieved my MA at the end of 2022. I completed my content marketing certification in 2023.
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I have a vast wealth of experience across a number of sectors, which has given me the opportunity to acquire a portfolio of transferable skills, and the ability to hit the ground running.
I am confidently able to write about an array of topics. I am versatile, can meet your needs, and I love a challenge.
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Why Writing?
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I have a writer’s brain. Always thinking of the next idea. I love to research topics, and have a passion for providing opportunities to educate, delight and engage others through my writing.
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In the fallout of the Knock, I wrote a variety of articles about my lived experience, including almost 100 blogs. I did so to raise awareness and to initiate change. My writing helped to raise awareness and in turn, funds for various charities.
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Nonetheless, in the background, as I worked tirelessly campaigning, my financial situation worsened, due to challenges around childcare and lack of opportunity/ support in returning to paid work.
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I became determined to use my writing not only to raise awareness, but also to establish financial stability for my children and I, and to help us to rebuild our lives completely.
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I work on a freelance basis as a writer, and you can hire me on a short-term one-off basis, or for an ongoing project.
I am available to hire as a writer, blogger, content creator and writing mentor for your business or charity. I can assist with storytelling, community voices, content marketing and social media writing and strategy.
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I understand the power of the written word, and the importance of organisations and charities being inclusive of and providing opportunities for people with lived experience.
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I can also review your book, audiobook or podcast. I write positive and uplifting reviews, to promote your work and engage your audience.
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Or, perhaps you as an individual have always fancied writing but don’t know where to start? I can work with you 1:1 to mentor you through every element of the writing process.
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Or, if you lack the time to write, I can help you to promote your business, fulfill your blog, or tell your life story via my ghostwriting service.
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I intend that my writing business will evolve and grow over time. I am very open to new ideas and I love making connections and taking part in creative projects.
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I like to experiment with various writing styles and techniques. I’m never afraid to tackle any project or find new and innovative ways to come up with something fresh and original.
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Writing Strong
Having volunteered for a charity for 14 months co-facilitating a support group for family members, I decided to create a writing group for the benefit of community members.
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The group, Writing Strong has been up and running since April 2023, supporting and empowering family members in the fallout of the Knock. You can find out more about Writing Strong here. I continue to provide this group to members of the Knock community for no cost as I understand the dire financial circumstances that people can find themselves in.
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My Experience of Writing about the Knock and Social Justice​
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​As a writer, I have worked in collaboration with several websites.
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I have helped to establish the blog on The World According to the Knock, have contributed to writing episodes of the podcast and I am a regular forum member. I have been involved with the evolution of theknock.club, and have contributed written work to the website. My writing also features on Circles South West blog. I am Web Content Developer for Next Chapter Scotland.
​I have an interest in representation of families of offenders in art and literature.
I have written extensively about the Knock from the perspective of a family member.
Additionally, I write book reviews to highlight useful literature for people with an interest in or experience of the Knock.
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I have campaigned to highlight the situation faced by families affected by the fallout of The Knock. My writing has been used by charities, featured anonymously in the media (including the BBC) and referred to by MPs in parliamentary debate.
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My writing website launched 20/09/23 to mark the 3-year anniversary of the week my children & I fled our home. I want to make a positive memory for the future.
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Please follow me on Twitter and on Facebook for updates, to learn more about the craft of writing and to join me on this new adventure.