I am delighted to have been nominated by the talented Ingrid at  Experiments in Fiction for the Sunshine Blogger Award! Ingrid uses her blog to bring stories that are experimental in nature to the reader’s attention, so that they challenge the reader and raise questions. Ingrid writes beautiful moving poetry, and is also an accomplished writer. Refreshingly original, her blog is a joy to read Ingrid also has a talented son – check out 7 year old Benji’s post.

The Rules

• Thank the person who nominated you and provide a link back to their blog so others can find them.
• Answer the 11 questions asked by the blogger who nominated you.
• Nominate 11 other bloggers and ask them 11 new questions.
• Notify the nominees about it by commenting on one of their blog posts.
• List the rules and display a Sunshine Blogger Award logo on your post and/or your blog site.

Questions for me:

1.When did you start writing?

I have always written: home-made books when I was a child, journals throughout my adult life and then as a freelance journalist in health and social care. Writing fiction was at first a hobby – short stories that I shared with family and friends. However, I started writing novels eight years ago, when a short story kept on growing until it became my first novel

2. What are your writing goals?

The Borrowed Boy will be published on 1^st August. My plan is to publish Just Bea on 1^st February 2021 and Misdirectionin August 2021. I have already written these novels and received editorial assessments and so I am confident that this is achievable. Then, I am looking forward to writing my next story which is in my head and getting impatient to be told – so lots of writing ahead. 

3. What do you prefer to read, factual or fictional writing?

I prefer fiction but enjoy reading autobiographies too. I am currently fascinated by Penelope Fitzgerald’s life story and have requested a book of her letters from the library.

4. Do you prefer poetry or prose?

That is hard as good prose within a novel is poetic. I read more fiction than poetry and so it has to be prose. However, I love Lemn Sissay’s poems. Every time I listen to him reading, Invisible Kisses my heart bursts with love.

5. Do you prefer short fiction or novels?

Definitely novels. I find it hard to concentrate when reading a short story and cannot read magazines for the same reason. My mind will not still and keeps thinking ahead to the next task. When I open a novel, I relax, knowing that I can read for as long as I choose. 

6. What is your dream holiday destination?

I am lucky enough to have had many wonderful holidays and have travelled to every continent. However, Italy is one of my favourite destinations: Venice, Tuscany or Sorrento.

7. How would you spend your last day on earth, if you could choose to do absolutely anything?

I would return to the Parrucchiano restaurant in Sorento and dine at a long table beneath the lemon trees, surrounded by family and friends. We would spend the afternoon enjoying good food and wine, laughing and sharing happy memories.

8. What is your favourite song?

Al Stewart’s Year of the Cat. Al Stewart’s early albums are the soundtrack to my teenage years, Orange and Bedsitter Images. He is a poet. Although this song is not one of his best, it has a special place in my heart. When we first met, my husband made me a book. On each page he wrote a line of that song and used collage, photographs and his own art work to capture the early days of our relationship. It was a love letter like no other.

9. Do you use social media to promote your writing and if so, which platforms?

When I thought about how I would market my books I decided to blog. I had no idea that writing the blog would be so enjoyable. It also means that I can connect with like-minded people on Twitter and Instagram by sharing blog posts rather than trying to sell my books. It has brought me into contact with some wonderful people across the globe. 

10. Have you ever written a book, or do you plan to (please provide details)?

I have written four books but I am about to publish my debut, The Borrowed Boy. 

11. Large hotel or small guest house: which do you prefer and why?

A large hotel. I have had some unfortunate experiences whilst staying at guest houses, as they can be a bit unpredictable. I like to be assured of the quality and service provided so that I can relax and enjoy exploring the area. 

My Nominees

1. Elizabeth Bennet’s Plague Diaries

2. Lu Reviews Books

3. Lizzie Chantry

4. And Then What 

5. The Marcist Agenda 

6. Helen Carey Books

7. Behind her Books

8. EdMyJourneyOCD

9. Being Anne

10. Wins Books

11. Rachel Brooker

Questions for nominated bloggers:

1. What attracted you to start a blog and how has it developed?

2. If you were restricted to eat the favourite cuisine of one nation (forever), what would it be: Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Italian, other?

3. What superpower would you like to have and why?

4. Name 2-4 books that have had a memorable impact on you at any stage in your life.

5. What is your greatest achievement?

6. What is the most daring thing you have done?

8. What would be at the top of your bucket list?

9. Which songs/artistes provided a soundtrack to your teenage years?

10. If you could time travel to another time past or future when would it be and why?

11. What advice would you give to new bloggers?