60 seconds with Deirdre Cartmill

Thursday 19 February 2026

Tell us about your role and your organisation

I’m a poet, writer, writing mentor and facilitator. I’ve published four poetry collections: Under the Blue Seraphim, The Wind Stills to Listen, The Return of the Buffalo and Midnight Solo. I’m also an award-winning writer for TV, theatre and radio, with short fiction and spiritual non-fiction published.

Themes of love, loss and a restless search for the Divine run through my work, which focuses on hope, redemption and a return to the soul. Alongside writing, I’m also a spiritual teacher and healer.

I am a self-employed sole trader with a portfolio career, which requires me to be both self-sufficient and resilient.

Give us a brief overview of your career journey so far

I studied Electrical & Electronic Engineering at Queen’s University and worked as a Signal & Telecoms Engineer for British Rail and Irish Rail. I pursued engineering because I’d hoped to work in a music recording studio. When I eventually secured a studio role, I quickly realised I wanted to create something myself, not just help others create.

I began writing, first as a music journalist, while simultaneously building a reputation as a poet.

I later joined the BBC as a Drama Trainee and became a Script Editor in Drama and Comedy. During this time, I returned to Queen’s to study part‑time for an MA in Creative Writing. I started writing my own TV scripts and left the BBC in 2008 to become self‑employed.

In 2011, I had two unexpected heart attacks in one week. I stepped back from the pressure of screenwriting and shifted my focus to poetry. My healing journey reshaped my life and work, eventually leading me to support others in their healing. Today, alongside being a poet, mentor and workshop facilitator, I run meditation sessions and offer one‑to‑one energy healing.

What is one skill that helps you most in your role and why?

Problem solving!

As a writer, I often reach a point in a poem or story where I’ve unintentionally trapped myself, and I need to find a way out.

As a self‑employed person, challenges arise daily. There’s no one in the room to turn to, so my instinct is always: How do I fix this, or who can help me fix it? I immediately look for solutions—because there is always a solution or a workaround.

As a facilitator, I never quite know what I’m stepping into. I’ve learned to think on my feet, stay calm, and solve one problem at a time. I also try to anticipate issues in advance and prepare potential solutions.

What advice do you have for women in your industry?

Be authentically you.It can feel vulnerable to show your true self when we’re conditioned to wear masks and conform. But authenticity is magnetic—it draws the right people to you, the ones who need what only you can bring.

Believe in yourself—especially on the days when it feels like no one else does.You are unique, and you are needed.

Perseverance is everything.Good days and bad days will come. Times of high visibility and times of silence. Your task is to follow your passion regardless.

Celebrate your successes.Pause, breathe them in, and acknowledge that your hard work was worth it.

Keep a sense of humour.My sister once told me: “Have an A, B, C, D and E plan—and if all else fails, try an interpretive dance.” I’ve never had to attempt the dance, but remembering it always makes me smile and helps me stay grounded.

A favourite quote from Ernest Hemingway guides my writing and my life:

“All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.”I try to live one true moment at a time.

My mantras for tough days:

This too shall pass.
All is well.
Let go and let God.

Are there any exciting plans in the year ahead?

My new poetry collection, Under the Blue Seraphim, will be published by Arlen House in November. I’m excited for the press, reviews and the opportunity to travel for poetry readings.

Who has been your biggest career inspiration and why?

My greatest inspiration is Richard Bach, author of Jonathan Livingston Seagull. When I first read that book, it made me feel less alone—someone else in the world understood what I felt. It left a profound impact on me.

Years later, when I began writing, I wanted to create that same feeling for others—to show that life is more than the daily grind, and that we are so much more than we think we are.

Many of Bach’s books have a spiritual thread, and that thread runs through my own writing and spiritual work as well. Reminding people that we have a deeper purpose is what continues to drive me.

What is your soundtrack song to get you through the working day?

Musical Rapture: A Healing Gift to Humanity – Frederic Delarue

How can our members best connect with you?

You can reach me by email at: deirdre.cartmill@yahoo.co.uk
I’d love to hear from you.

Thursday 19 February 2026