Writing my first book: Bird Feeder
Well, this is a surreal post to write.
This blog began in early 2020, when I had a goal of one day studying the Travel and Nature Writing MA at Bath Spa University. On the recommendation of the then course leader, Stephen Moss, I wanted to create a portfolio of work and practice nature writing before applying – a process which seemed an age away. At the time, I wasn’t even working on my BA; I had deferred my studies while undergoing treatment for an eating disorder. The thought of studying the MA was just a flicker of inspiration during a very difficult time.
Eight months after starting my website, I found myself living in rural Somerset with my two cousins. My mental and physical health were worse than ever and I needed help. My experience with inpatient hospitals was pretty dire, so I was given the chance to recover outside of hospital, if I could prove I was really trying. After six years of having my life, goals and identity itself entangled with the illness, trying unpick who I was without it was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. Not knowing where to start in the search for myself, I turned to the bird feeders outside of the kitchen window. Watching the birds while facing my meals offered a comforting reminder of who I once was and who I might be again one day: a girl obsessed with nature, someone who cared about so much more than calories, exercise and the need for sickness.
Fast forward five years and I’m doing better than ever, I’m coming to the end of my MA course and I have spent the day bird watching with my dad.
My time in Somerset and recovery from anorexia is a story I’ve wanted to tell for years. And after posting about my idea on social media last April, the journey of writing my first book began.
Now, I’m thrilled to say that Bird Feeder is being published by Bloomsbury Wildlife as a lead title in spring 2027.
Following a year of my life in recovery from an eating disorder, this is a book about reconnecting with nature, establishing new relationships and rediscovering life after an extended period of illness.
To be commissioned to write for one of the UK’s most renowned publishing houses and nature writing imprints is (excuse the cliché) a dream come true, and I’m so excited to share more about the process of writing.
I plan to post about the trials and tribulations of writing memoir on my blog and my Substack, so do follow along if you’re interested in book-writing updates, and join my email list for notifications.
I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me on this adventure, from readers of my blog and anyone who follows me on social media to my lecturers, friends, family and previous treatment teams.
You can read the official press release from The Bookseller here: https://www.thebookseller.com/rights/bloomsbury-secures-rights-to-debut-memoir-by-hannah-lilly-about-how-nature-aided-authors-recovery