How did you come to be a writer?
When the youngest of our four children went to university I decided
now was my time to do my own thing, as I would not be rushing backwards
and forwards to the school coach or standing on the touch line cheering
on one or other of my offspring, et cetera, et cetera. So I
went to the library, picked up an evening class brochure saw Creative
Writing and thought Yes! Yes! I’ll give it a whirl. I loved
it, and was totally fired up by the very first class I attended.
What is it about writing that you most enjoy?
Creating and living in another world.
What brings you the most happiness?
Writing a successful chapter and knowing right inside myself that
I have got it just right.
What about village life do you enjoy?
Walking down the village street and passers-by exchanging greetings
even though they don’t really know you. Going into the
shops and feeling free to join in a conversation. Liking the
feeling of belonging.
And is there anything about it that you wish you could change?
The threat of our regular bus into a neighbouring town being axed,
now that I would like to change. Other than that, nothing at all.
It’s fine as it is. The village green, the street of shops, the
friendly people. Bliss.
What is your favourite novel?
I love all the novels I have written and don’t wish to change
a word of them, well. . . . maybe on reflection. . . . perhaps. .
. . As far as other writers’ novels are concerned I read contemporary
fiction but occasionally revert to reading books I have loved for
years. For two years after I began writing novels I dare not read
a book at all, in case the style of the book somehow got into my own
writing. Now I can read anything I fancy. I rarely give books
away because they are all special to me, and have just had to buy
new bookcases to accommodate them all.
Of what are you most proud?
Our children. The two eldest boys are both veterinary surgeons, one
of whom found himself during the foot and mouth outbreak insisting
that a high ranking police officer must keep the road closed while
he finished the work he was doing on the nearby farm. My son won the
argument! The youngest boy read Maths at Cambridge, and our daughter
is a Senior Press Officer at City Hall, London. Having such diverse
occupations they give me a wonderful insight into what is happening
in the world. Also, of course, I'm proud of our five young grandchildren.
Do you have an ambition that you would love to fulfil?
I have never been one of those people who have said all their lives,
“One day I’ll write a book.” But now I have, I think
that must have been my ambition. It is so fulfilling.
I live in three worlds. The real one, the Turnham Malpas one and the
Barleybridge one.
Where is your favourite place?
On the coast in Yorkshire, namely North and South Landings at Flamborough.
It’s wild, it’s beautiful, it’s dramatic and I love
it. The next best place is the Yorkshire moors with the wind blowing
strongly and battling against it to walk upright. (Think that must
be the Wuthering Heights in me!). Next best place is the Dorset coast.
Walking along the cliffs or the beaches. Wonderful! Come
to think of it though, I have a more than healthy respect for the
sea. Walking by it. Yes. Swimming in it or sailing on it a definite
NO!
How do you relax?
Reading. People watching. Watching drama on TV. Talking. Listening
to other people talking. Or best of all sitting on the seat outside
the front of our house, which overlooks the Grand Union Canal, drinking
my morning coffee watching the swans and ducks go by and thinking
about what I’m writing.
How would you like to be remembered?
Haven’t thought about it at all. I’m far too busy enjoying
what I’m doing and living a life. Perhaps when I just don’t
want to write any more, which, from where I’m standing at the
moment doesn’t feel likely at all, I might think about that. |
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