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
2020: Shortlisted for the Emerging Writer Award 2020 for my short story, 'The Undoing'.
2021: Offered a place on the Moniack Mhor Residency Programme in June 2021
2022: Shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize for my debut novel, 'Silent as a Shade'
2023: Shortlisted for the Caledonia Novel Award for my debut novel, 'Silent as a Shade'
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
Enough bilberries to mend a broken heart – Bad Pony
Japanese food – Luna Luna Magazine
Marbles – Occulum
Reviews
Christopher Bliss: I Spy With My Little Eye Beginning With Why Are You Sleeping With My Wife?, IN Covent Garden Magazine
Plays
2011: My one-act play 'Old Jim' was produced and performed at the Kingston Playwrights' Lab, New York
2016: My one-act play 'What We Are Now' was produced and performed 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 and performed for an online performance, during the lockdown of 2020, (as part of The Space Theatre's new 'Locked down, looking up' programme)