This Much I Know

Sarah Cruickshank, 39, Freelance Writer, Lancaster

My boys are my centre. My husband and my son are the most important things in the world to me and I put their welfare above all else.

When I was at university I had a Rabbi who had a sign on her front door saying "Square One". At the end of the day she always went back to square one. For me that's the boys. They're my first thought in the morning. I always consider how the work I take on will impact them.

Being a writer is great because I can be around for school events, or to help my husband out with the mundane parts of his job (he's an academic, so usually its proof-reading or transcribing things).

Having a miscarriage changed my whole outlook on life. It left me devastated, but it also made me completely re-evaluate who I was and what I was doing.

The first thing I did was quit the job I hated, then I spent two years working as a supply teacher and building up a writing portfolio. I had a fantastic time, worked with some great kids and built up enough confidence to start writing full-time.

Being your own boss is cool. I'd never go back to working for someone else now. Being freelance is the hardest job I've ever had, you're nearly always working in some shape or form. It isn't 9-5, the only person nagging you is you and if you cock something up its your fault, but its the best job I've ever had.

God is an old man with a long white beard. And when I get to Heaven I hope He respects that belief! He should also be slightly befuddled, just like Peter Ustinov wrote Him in The Old Man and Mr Smith.

I'm a daddy's girl. We have the same temperament, which can make for a slightly volatile relationship at times and he tends to forget that I'm pushing 40, but I wouldn't change him for the world and am proud to say he's my friend as well as my dad.

My mum is one of my best friends. Yep, right up there with dad is mum. We talk or text everyday. I'm sure over the years I've driven both my parents scatty, but they've always stood by me.

My friends are always there for me. And I'm there for them too I hope!