A COLCHESTER writer has become an Amazon bestseller with her debut book, with all of the proceeds going to women's mental health charity.

Alexandra Freeman's Woman: a collaboration of thoughts and feelings launched on International Women's Day in March.

Soon afterwards it made number one in the women's poetry section of Amazon.

A passionate advocate for women's rights, the 28-year-old started the project soon after giving birth to her second child during lockdown.

She wanted to give women the space to share their experiences of womanhood, whilst contributing to a charity which supports female mental health.

The book itself is a collection of short stories and poems donated by women across the world - ranging from first time writers to experienced authors.

It even features a contribution from legendary rocker Suzi Quatro, or Suzi Q, who lives in Essex.

Proceeds from the book will go to WISH: a women's voice for mental health - the only national charity working with women with mental health needs in prison, hospital and the community.

The charity provides independent advocacy, emotional support and practical guidance for women and campaigns to get female voices heard at policy level.

Read more:

Alexandra said: "With the political climate and lockdown to contend with over the last year I had been feeling pretty disconnected from the world around me.

"I wanted to put my energy during lockdown into producing something positive that focused on connectivity and also helped out a worthwhile non-profit organisation.

"It’s been a very moving process getting to read and collate so many wonderful stories and poems and the response so far has been incredible."

WOMAN: a collaboration of thoughts and feelings, is available to purchase on Amazon Prime in Paperback or on Kindle at www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08WK7MWTG.

You can find out more about the project by following Alexandra in Instagram at @mamalovesto_write.

To find out more about the charity, visit www.womenatwish.org.uk.