About Me

Hello, and welcome to my Blog
This is a space for my thoughts, photographs, articles, stories, and work in progress. You’ll find stories spanning from 2009 through 2025. I occasionally offer writing workshops, because for me, writing and art are deeply fulfilling ways to connect with people. I’m constantly researching, studying, and writing, inspired by the wonder of nature and community.

Since 2010, I’ve occasionally hosted writing workshops at my home on a peaceful hill in Portugal, and I cherish the connections those gatherings bring.

Looking ahead, from May 18 to 21, 2026, I’ll be co-facilitating a travel writing course with Stephen Powell. Take advantage of the early bird discount now!

Feel free to contact me or Stephen Powell for more details. The Eastern Algarve, rich in culture and intrigue, offers endless inspiration for writers and explorers alike.

My Background
Since leaving the bustle of a traditional career, I’ve blended journalism, research, and storytelling. I hold a History B.A. Hons from Warwick University and studied law at the University of Birmingham, though law wasn’t my ultimate calling, the analytical skills I gained have served me well. My creative mind has always found a way to thrive. Over the years I have studied journalism, writing and process work.

I was fortunate to be part of the early days of internet technology, working in community tech initiatives. My professional journey includes roles at IBM, Ecosaurus, the Crown Prosecution Service, and the Community Development Foundation, where I managed international projects. I’ve also worked as a consultant for Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO). These experiences took me to many challenging places, Russia and Sierra Leone among them, deepening my appreciation for diverse stories and human resilience. Over the years, I’ve written books about technology, civil society engagement and social policy, and I contribute articles to magazines like ECO123, primarily focusing on interviews. I’ve also interviewed local people about life in Portugal. Some of my articles can be found on this Blog, but not all.

My passions extend to literature, gardening, history, and festivals. I often write about local people and activism and some of those articles can be found in The Portugal Resident. For a few years I’ve organised events for writers and also an Open Mic Night. The next event is 20 November 2025 as part of the Alvaro de Campos Birthday Party.

Life in Portugal
I share my life with Jim Hall, who plays tennis and manages our compost heap. Since moving permanently to Portugal in 2008, (though Jim has owned our house since 1995), we’ve made our home overlooking the beautiful Asseca Valley, just 8 kilometres from Tavira in the deep south of the Algarve. We are very fortunate to have on our two-acre property, numerous trees, 30 solar panels, a dry garden, and a vegetable garden. Inspired by Orchard of Flavours in 2025, I began a food forest with my friend and experienced gardener Christof.

Creative Works
Recently, I completed a novel titled Return Visit. It explores themes of high control, healing, and cult survival through the story of a music-loving widow. I’ve also completed another novel centred around a cat named Bastet, also called Blue Eyes, where animals, insects, and plants serve as gateways to understanding myth and our estrangement from nature.

With roots in English and Irish heritage, Ireland’s landscape and stories have influenced me. I also love reading and writing poetry. My recent poems were sparked by a visit to Ireland, where the stories of famine and identity interwove into collage and words.

In my writing and art, I try to weave in elements of reflection, colour, discord, recovery, and moments of joy.

Hugs and love to all
Sue Hall

Contact information

Email sue@suehall.net

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