MY TRIBUTE TO ELIZABETH LORD (IVY), ESSEX POPULAR AUTHOR

My photograph of Ivy Lord used for front cover of the Writing Magazine

Such sadness last week to hear of the passing of one of my best friends, Ivy Lord, known professionally as Elizabeth Lord (aka Maggie Ford).Since I first interviewed our friend on the publication of her first book Stolen Years in 1995 for a national magazine, I have kept in touch with Ivy and her work with so many new manuscripts which, in great regularity, arrived in the bookshops to be eagerly read and enjoyed by her fans. Ivy was a 'people person' particularly meeting writers, and enjoyed being a committee member of Brentwood Writers' Circle; the Romantic Novelists Association and The Society of Women Writers & Journalists. She even started her own writing club - the Billericay Writers' Group - which existed for many years at The Fold, Laindon Road, during the 1980s and encouraged many novice scribes to succeed in their own writing genres. She helped many rookie writers within her own group whom she mentored, aptly named The Ivy League. She was also a welcome speaker at the annual Essex Book Festivals each March. 

Ivy's introduction into the world of writing initially covered short stories for magazines. But she had always wanted to write what she knew best, tales about London's East End, and happily found an agent and several publishers who assisted in the publication of more than thirty novels. They were pleased to produce her special brand of family stories set in the past which brought her numerous overseas readers as well as substantial UK sales. 

Yours truly and Ivy Lord on duty at Billericay School Careers convention

This hardworking author loved history and, alongside her family sagas,  produced several books about famous historical characters. She often took off to countries such  as Canada, India, Egypt, Cuba, and other places, diligently researching and collecting material, while absorbing the local atmosphere and culture. Much of this energetic travelling experience took place when she had already reached her 60s and 70s and her delight in meeting new folk and learning about their lives and times - even at the age of 92 - was so inspirational and a help to other creative writers of all ages. 

Our Ivy with  novelist Martina Cole in 2005 

We will all miss our Ivy and send our warmest thoughts to her lovely close family still based in the Essex countryside.