Linda Daruvala is the author of ’Selah’, a book of her own poetry published by Onwards and Upwards Publishers in 2021. The poem “Diamonds on the sole of his shoes’ inspired the commission of a beautiful painting which now hangs in St Mary the Virgin church in Charlton-on-Otmoor. Her poem ‘Forgiveness’ was highly recommended in the South Downs Poetry Festival in 2022 from 350 entries, and she performed at their evening festival event. She has been interviewed by UCB radio. Linda has her second book of poetry currently underway with the same publishers.

Linda grew up in Dorset, and fell in love with poetry while studying Thomas Hardy’s poems for ‘O’ Level – she can still recite some of them! An only child, she has always found solitude a comfortable and creative space to inhabit. Her Christian faith, travel, contemplation, quiet, photography and art all enable her to meditate and compose her poetry, reflections and prayers.

Linda is now retired but was a primary school teacher, is married to Jung and they have two adult sons. Since being healed from Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2010, Linda has particularly relished the fresh blessings and opportunities of each new day.

Linda leads poetry and creative workshops in her church, St Alban’s, Hindhead. She sings in the church worship band and gospel choir, and her joy is to spend time at a little rented beach hut on Hayling Island. She loves listening to God, new travels, sunsets, watercolours and is known for her lemon drizzle cake!

Book Link: Selah 
Publisher: Onwards and Upwards