What were you like as a child? Whom was your role model growing up?
I was an only child whose parents inspite of little eduction and even less financially, gave me the best childhood they possibly could. I can’t say that I had any heroes growing up.
As a teenager, what were you obsessed with?
As a teenager in the 60’s while my friends were screaming over the Beatles and the Rolling Stones I wanted to be different so I cheered for The Dave Clark 5.
What was your biggest dream as a child? Did it ever come true?
From the time I was 10 and flew on my first airplane I wanted to be a stewardess but I lacked the self-confidence to even apply for the job. It wasn’t until I was 30 that I started working for an airline but on the ground not in the air.
What, to you, is an ideal setting or environment for a good writing session?
I started writing my memoir Splat in 2010 and always thought that I would go to a resort somewhere in Mexico and spend a month or two writing but that never happened. It wasn’t until 2017 that my husband and I were on a two month cruise of Asia and the South Pacific that I got the writing bug. On our many days at sea I would go to the library with my latte and stare out at the vast ocean in front of me. My best writing was a result of that trip.
I would later find that the best place for me to write was in my beautiful office where I could lock myself away.
What challenges did you face while writing your memoir, Splat!?
My biggest challenge was writing so as not to hurt any family member. It wasn’t until the very last minute that I decided to publish and I’m so glad that I did. My reviews have been excellent and not in the area I expected. I’ve learned that every family has a secret not just mine.
How do you decide upon the perfect book titles?
My life went “Splat” in 1995 so the book’s title was decided long before I put pen to paper. The chapter titles came after I finished writing the chapter and I tried to put a twist of humour on each of them.
This is my one and only book. I had a story to share with others and I did.
What are the main things that one should know before starting to write a book?
For others who are beginning this daunting task it’s important to know that writing is a process. Your book will develop in it’s own time and space. You will edit and change your mind a thousand times!