Natalie Baker
Freelance writer + editor
I am a freelance writer and editor based in Ampthill, Bedfordshire. In addition to my corporate work, I have written personal essays, interviews and investigative travel pieces for The Sunday Times Magazine, ELLE UK, Time Out, SUITCASE Magazine, and more.
In 2020, my short story 'The Undoing' was shortlisted for the Moniack Mhor Emerging Writer Award, and in 2022 and 2023, my debut novel 'Silent as a Shade' was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize and the Caledonia Novel Award.
Awards and residencies
2023: Shortlisted for the Caledonia Novel Award for my debut novel, 'Silent as a Shade'
2022: Shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize for my debut novel, 'Silent as a Shade'
2021: Offered a place on the Moniack Mhor Residency Programme in June 2021
2020: Shortlisted for the Emerging Writer Award 2020 for my short story, 'The Undoing'.
Selected journalism
How it feels to... forgive an unfaithful mum on Mother's Day – The Sunday Times Magazine
This Londoner is the world’s youngest restaurateur – TIME OUT LONDON
Bonsai: this is my theatre now – Rakesprogress magazine
Menstruation Liberation with Gabby Edlin, Founder of Bloody Good Period – SUITCASE Magazine
Is Airbnb Sparking a new Cuban Revolution? – SUITCASE Magazine
Rice, Rum and Beans: a vegan tour of Cuba – SUITCASE Magazine
A Room of One's Own: Does Where You Do Your Writing Matter? – For Books' Sake
Beginner's Guide to Foraging Edible Flowers, Plants and Mushrooms – Mookychick
Short stories
Pig in the Sky – The London Magazine
Enough bilberries to mend a broken heart – Bad Pony
Japanese food – Luna Luna Magazine
Marbles – Occulum
Plays
2011: My short play was performed at the Kingston Playwrights' Lab, New York
2016: My short play 'What We Are Now' was produced by The Play's The Thing Theatre Company, as part of their One Act Play Festival
2020: My full-length play 'The Grinding Stone' was produced for an online performance, during the lockdown of 2020, (as part of The Space Theatre's new 'Locked down, looking up' programme)