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About Me

Hi, I'm Maria. I'm a 24-year-old British writer, traveller and photographer, looking to explore somewhere new. 

Travelling, writing and living mindfully are my passions. I'm hungry to explore the world, experiencing other cultures, languages and communities. 

My written work covers a variety of disciplines, including fiction, creative non-fiction, academia, copywriting, blogging and writing for social media. As a travel writer, I have produced articles, blogs, social media content and even a memoir focused upon European travel. 

Alongside studying English Literature & Creative Writing at Lancaster University, I worked as a travel copywriter for the Greek-based family business Experience Zakynthos. I also spent 2021-2022 living in the Netherlands and working as a copywriter and online content intern for travel company Eurail. 

In my free time, I enjoy photography, music, exploring new places and sports. 

I'm now looking for my next adventure - something I can share with the world. Any ideas? 

AWARDS

Second Place in the Philip Pyke Memorial Prize (2025)

Longlisted for The Book Edit Writers' Prize (2024)

Regional Winner of the UK Literature Category in the Global Undergraduate Awards (2024)

Winner of the Young Writer Award in the Page Turner Awards (2024)

Winner of the 'Thriller' Category in The People's Friend Writing Competition (2024)

Shortlisted for Bath Short Story Award (2021)

Shortlisted for Sunderland Short Story
Award (2018)

Overall Winner First Story National Writing
Competition (2016)

PUBLICATIONS

'The Day is Fresh' Anthology by Rathbones Folio Prize
'Echoes' Anthology by First Story 
'The Lemon Grove', Bandit Fiction
'Sack of Potatoes', CP Quarterly
'Demensha', in Iggy&Litro Young Writers' Prize

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels

Key skills

  • Strong verbal and written communication
  • Organisational and logistical experience
  • Close attention to detail
  • High quality, research-driven writing
  • Creativity
  • Curiosity 
  • Determination
  • Willingness to learn 
  • Teamwork
  • Cross-cultural awareness, respect and compassion

My Most Read Work

Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels
First Story •

Heartless | First Story

/ˈhɑːtləs/

Adjective
1. displaying a lack of feeling or consideration
2. lacking a heart

I hope you’re looking after it. I hope you’re looking after it like a mother looks after her child. Caring, sharing, hardly daring to breathe in case something goes wrong. I picture it by your side, always. Because that’s where I left it, wasn’t it? By your side; in your arms – thinking we’d be together forever and ever and ever. My heart sits on your bed, waiting for you to wake. It’s small – smaller than you’d think...
Photo by Achraf Alan on Pexels
Page Turner Awards •

The Vow | Page Turner Awards

I hate weddings.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a bride and groom. Or a bride and bride. Or whoever wants to marry whoever. I don’t care.

But the wedding itself…I mean, seriously?

Whoever came up with the idea of a wedding was definitely a psychopath. Think about it. It’s supposed to be the happiest day of your life, right? Yet it’s also the one day where all the warring factions of your family are brought together under the pretence of peace and love.
If that isn’t asking for the next Hunger Gam...
Photo by Gül Işık on Pexels
Page Turner Awards •

The Woven Basket | Page Turner Awards

New York

6th December 1956

Dear Bobby,

You must consider this a Christmas card - and forgive me that I haven’t sent a proper one. I’d saved a real nice one, with Santa on the front and glitter on the chimney and everything, but Eddie came in and said I had to send it to The Witch.
Anyway, Happy Christmas from New York! You know, this marks nearly two years of our correspondence - two years since I sent that first letter, thinking it would never go anywhere. And look where we are now!
I know I’ve...
Photo by Janko Ferlic on Pexels
Page Turner Awards •

Ronnie & Me | Page Turner Awards

Ronnie’s always going somewhere. Mum likes to joke the reason she was born three weeks before her due date was because she already had plans.

“Busy from day one,” Dad says, rolling his eyes. “Always a partier.”

He’s right about that. Today, when I open the door, she’s standing on the front step with a cigarette in one hand and her camera in the other. Pink cowboy hat, fringed boots, and that wicked, wicked smile.

“About time, Thea. I’m late already!”

She pushes past me into the hall. There’s...
Interrail •

Travel Personality Quiz

How do you like to travel?

Do you plan everything months in advance, or leave things until the last minute? Do you like to relax on holiday, or explore everything you can?

Whether you’re in it for adventure, relaxation or simply to take those Instagrammable shots, we’re here to help. That's why we've created our travel personality pages - so you can identify your travel preferences and the things that really make your trip worthwhile. With travel tips, personalised recommendations and tailored
Interrail •

The Ultimate Interrail Bucket List

Planning your Interrail Pass trip but not sure where to go? You've come to the right place.

We've put together the Ultimate Interrail Bucket List, filled with all the must-do experiences while travelling in Europe. Whether you're a first-time Interrailer or a seasoned traveller, see how many of these experiences you can tick off. From watching the Northern Lights in Norway to rafting in Slovakia, there's a new challenge for everyone. Are you ready? Choose a country to get started.

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