Which is your most cherished memory from your childhood?
The first time that I performed on stage. I was 10 years old and played the lead in 'Baby Face' wearing blue satin hot pants, waistcoat and tails, red tap shoes complete with top hat. It was my dream to become a ballet dancer but we had to learn both ballet and tap at dance school and I began to realise I just loved dancing.
How many years did you spend in Brecon?
Brecon was my hometown and we lived there until the family moved to Devon when I was nine years old.
Growing up between Wales, Devon, and Somerset, what do you miss the most about your childhood?
Having the stability that comes from belonging. In Brecon I had a 'best friend' and once we moved away wherever I went after that everyone already had a best friend. Although my spirit loves adventure and travel I think most children like to feel safe by belonging. That often comes from where they grow up, they like to come home to familiarity
What developed your passion for writing short stories?
When I was a child the emphasis in Primary School was Reading, Writing and Arithmetic. The minute the teacher would set us a story to write I was in my element. Coming from a dysfunctional family I think many kids find safety in fantasy and it's an escape and therefore story writing was a win win.
How did you begin your career as a blogger?
At the end of 2013 I set up an initiative called the 100 Year Challenge. The idea was to raise money for Military Charities and I had set myself four challenges for 2014. A 258 mile bike ride, a 50 mile walk, an abseil and a Skydive. Two days later I was in an induced coma in ICU after a massive surgery. It meant I had to use the 'Adapt and Overcome' approach. . I spent the time getting the Facebook page going initially. As soon as I could I did the bike ride in 10-20 km tranches at the gym. The 50 mile walk I started with the Parachute Regiment in Colchester and was also privileged to do a P Coy 10 Miler on the original training grounds in Aldershot with a former CSM. Unfortunately 13 months after the surgery I had a Cardiac Arrest and a Stress Cardiomyopathy but still managed a 400 ft abseil three months later. I had a hilarious conversation with one of the instructors who had also had a heart attack three months previously. Before I knew it I was back on Terra Firma and very chuffed as I'm terrified of heights! Unable to do much of what I had planned short posts on our page naturally morphed into blogging.
What is your Falklands 35 Blog all about?
I am a Falklands Widow, my husband was killed at Goose Green. As the 35th Anniversary was approaching we were losing veterans, it is very sad but many people do not live into old age. It seemed like a good idea to write short stories about those who were part of what we call the 'Class of 82'. There are many books out there about individual experiences of the War but nothing where anyone and everyone can be remembered. As we age our history can get lost and I believe our Task Force deserve the accolade as do the Islanders who went through so much. It is a little piece of history where they are honoured in a personal way.
What challenges did you face to publish your first book, And She Danced?
My main challenge was the writing itself. Once in the flow of it I could not type as fast as my mind was working!
Who inspired the character of Mia in "And She Danced"?
Mia is a play on words Me-ahhhhh..... The book is a Biographical Fiction but it is based on my life story.
What instances from your extraordinary life did you share in your first book?
The book covers many things that have happened to me in my life, some of which are less savoury and hard for many to talk about, though times are thankfully changing. There is love, romance, sexual abuse, racism, addiction, betrayal, loss, War and PTSD for example.
How did you come up with the title for your Biographical Fiction?
The original title was changed when I realised this would be the first of a trilogy. It was not until Chapter 6 which ends with 'And She Danced' that it became apparent. Dancing had been the one thing that was like air to Mia. It just seemed an obvious choice then for the title.
How did your passion for dance inspire you to write your first book?
My first book was inspired by my life which has been colourful to say the least! People had been telling me I should write a book since I was in my twenties. It was the other way around. As I got into the book it was my passion for dance that I realised had kept me sane through some very dark times and so that inspired me to write through some pretty tough chapters.
How do you usually get new ideas for your books?
My first three will be written around my life story so will all be biographical fiction. I do have an idea about a fourth book but will keep that one in my head for now!
Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?
When it flows do not be scared to write until 0400 hrs. When it is not flowing put it down completely, walk away and do something completely different. Do not even try thinking about why you are stuck, just accept it in the knowledge that when you are ready you will be in flow again.
Which is the next book you are working on? When is it due for release?
The Trilogy based on my life story is called 'A Little Girl's Journey' the next book 'Broken Bodybuilder' follows Mia's life from 1992 until 2006. There is no release date as yet but I am busy working on it!
What originally attracted you to our website? If you were to review the website what score would you give it out of 5?
A friend told me about All Author and I found it easy to use. I would rate it 4.5 out of 5 the only thing that I personally would like more of is templates that are not just seasonal so that it would be easy to make snippets for book advertising.
