Author Who Learned To Read, Write At 39 Wants To Inspire Other Moms

Karen Woods at home in Manchester. At the age of 39, while working as a cleaner, she had already completed 27 novels. WILLIAM LAILEY/SWNS

A best-selling author who only learned to read and write at 39 while working as a cleaner has now written 27 novels.

Karen Woods, 53, wrote her first book at 39 after taking an Adult Literacy course – and has now written best-selling books and sold-out theater shows.