Unveiling Jade Webb: Author and Poet

I have always loved written word as long as I can remember. Where did this begin, and why now?

This blog entry explores my journey and where I am now, right at the beginning of something exciting.

Early Life and Influences

I was born in London in 1985, relocating to Cornwall when I was six. I often tell people I am Cornish, because I have been deeply in love with it here since I was a little girl. My biggest mountains were climbed here.

I wish I could say the beauty of nature and simplicity of life sparked my imagination but it was trauma that I have to thank for the ignition. As a child with limited access to paper, I would even write on cereal boxes. Sentences that I thought 'felt nice', or interesting words I had heard and did not want to forget.

I was however surrounded by books. It astonishes me now that food was scarce but I always seemed to have a dictionary to hand.

The Role of Trauma in Writing

A pen has always been a necessity to me. There have been times where I have needed to pull over in the car and write words into my notes app on my phone, and yet I will never stop appreciating the tools that started this all for me.

I have processed many aspects of my childhood through therapeutic methods, some professional and some self directed through writing.

I would write when I felt unsafe, and as I grew up, I adopted this escape over and over again. Through childhood neglect and abuse, an abusive marriage, the devastating health decline of my daughter. I wrote, and I continue to write. I draw from fear, inspiration to transport readers to a place where they feel less alone. I believe that this enriches my writing but also reflects my belief in the power of support and hope.

Literary Journey

My literary journey began in 2018 when The Handbook for Nursing Associates and Assistant Practitioners Volume I was published. After qualifying as a Social Worker three years previously, I had a fantastic opportunity to be part of writing a text book for nursing students. I have since been an associate author for 3 more volumes, with volume four set to be released in February 2027.

All my published work until now has been written under a different surname. I considered keeping it, however this feels almost like a reinvention of self and so I am launching my writing career as Jade Webb and saying a soft and grateful goodbye to Jade Carter-Bennett. She was great, but Jade Webb is grown.

Themes in My Work

While I am inspired by trauma and difficult topics, my writing is often exploring a journey of victory and survival. I am able to articulate complex emotions around themes of love, grief, and human experience in the hope to resonate with readers from all walks of life. My writing style, I judge to employ a variety of literary devices such as metaphors (and often of the sea), and similes to create vivid imagery. I use both structured and free verse which allows me to express my thoughts and feelings without the constraints of traditional poetic forms.

So What's Next?

I have recently self-published my first chapbook, a small poetry collection 'All The Things I Couldn't Say Then', a raw and honest exploration of mental health, the courage that exists within vulnerability, and the unspoken words we carry.

I am working on a series of these books which will cover difficult to talk about topics such as grief.

I am also working on a novel, but more to come on that later...