Maria Lightwood — Writer, Screenwriter, Poet Where Story Meets Policy and Science

Hi there, I’m an Emerging Writer with a passion for storytelling that intertwines lived experience with advocacy. Since 2017, I’ve contributed to anthologies and collaborated with writing groups like Royston Circle and Cambridge Writers. My work is profoundly shaped by my healthcare background and personal journey navigating disability, trauma, poverty, estrangement, immigration, and a late autism diagnosis. These experiences fuel both my storytelling and my advocacy for intersectional and underrepresented voices, reflected in initiatives like ACE’s Reflecting Realities.

My editorial experience spans respected organisations, including the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Pharmaceutical Press, The Royal Society, and Gingerbread, with articles also published in the Pharmaceutical Journal. These roles have deepened my understanding of mental health and social issues, which inform both my writing and my poetry. Poetry, in particular, allows me to merge wordplay and rhythm with the exploration of complex themes, such as childhood trauma and disability.

Currently, I am organising a contest centred on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in collaboration with the University of Nottingham to support emerging writers. Previously, I mentored children in storytelling through the Ilford school programme, which led to a published anthology. I am also a proud member of The Authors with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses (ADCI), a network advocating for greater inclusivity and accessibility in publishing. My participation in steering groups like Medicines, Ethics and Practice, Reflecting Realities, and Changing Expectations on Research Culture reflects my ongoing commitment to accessibility and representation.

For me, writing is not just a career—it’s a way to create a meaningful and lasting impact. I aspire to publish books that resonate deeply with readers while paving the way for financial independence and the opportunity to build a home of my own through my work.

I am fortunate to be receiving coaching and training from leading mentoring programmes:

Curtis Brown Creative – with Author & Agency Founder Anna Davis (2024)
ITV Mentoring Programme – with Isabella Cecil (2025)

Courtney Harler, USA

“We truly enjoyed reading your writing—indeed, your entry "Sleeping Dogs Lie in Fetal Position" stood out to our team as one of the best...”

Miriam Steiner, UK

“Maria's ethos uplifts and brings the experiences of disabled people to the forefront. She, and her work, should be recognised for its ability to articulate disabled experiences and amplify often ignored narratives. We would all be enriched by her having more support for her practice...”

Curtis Brown Creative, UK

“We really enjoyed reading Maria's work and are pleased to inform her that it was on our shortlist of applicants.”

Lorraine Mace, UK

“Clearly has a great deal of talent...”

Phil Oddy, UK

“Maria is a thoughtful writer whose work focuses on the emotional experiences that shape our lives. Her sensitivity to the nuances of human emotion creates a connection with the reader which can be very powerful.”

Danny DeCillis, UK

“Polished and thought through... carefully developed tone and turn of phrase.”

Maria Lightwood — Writer, Screenwriter, Poet Where Story Meets Policy and Science

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​For me, writing is not just a career—it’s a way to create a meaningful and lasting impact. I aspire to publish books that resonate deeply with readers while paving the way for financial independence and the opportunity to build a home of my own through my work.

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I am fortunate to be receiving coaching and training from leading mentoring programmes:

Curtis Brown Creative – with Author & Agency Founder Anna Davis (2024)

ITV Mentoring Programme – with Isabella Cecil (2025)

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For me, writing is not just a career—it’s a way to create a meaningful and lasting impact. I aspire to publish books that resonate deeply with readers while paving the way for financial independence and the opportunity to build a home of my own through my work.