Hello L.B.
Welcome to garden. Have a seat and tell us about you and your book.
1. Do you plot or let the story unfold
as you write?
I have a
plot, but the characters in my head are doing such a dance to get their story
out there I have to stop, listen to them, and write what they want me to! So, I
guess the answer is I have the idea of a plot, and then the characters lead me
on the rest of the way.
2. Are your characters based on real
people?
No. My characters
are all a figment of my imagination. Though
of course, it would be wrong to say that I’ve been sitting on a desert island.
Life experience has shared a gift. I’ve met wonderful, courageous,
extraordinary people. Stories of survival are woven into the very fabric of
life and that’s where I find them.
Have you
ever cried while writing a book? Hmm.
Yes. Got
a lump in my throat for sure. Don’t tell anyone though.
3. What's your favorite book you've
written?
I really
got my stuck into writing Secrets, Shame and a Shoebox, which I actually wanted to see as a
whole. But now it has been separated into two, due to its original length, I can
see the benefit, for the reader as much as myself.
4. Do you have set times during the day
that you write?
I used to
get up at 6.00 a.m. before the day job, realise the time was flying by and had
to fling on my coat and shoot out, sometimes half dressed! Now I’ve retired, I
can take it bit easier, but get totally absorbed and lose time so easily.
5. What was the hardest chapter/book to
finish and why?
First
chapter is definitely the worst, simply because it needs to grab the attention
of the reader and publisher to want to read on. I can’t tell you how many
re-writes I’ve done as I’m never satisfied. Just ask any writer. Come to think
about it the last chapter is just as hard!
What tips
would you give a new writer?
For what
this is worth:
1. Always follow your dream. Never give
up. I did it. I’m a granny with plans to trek the world when I retired. Then
when I retired, I was given a contract for my debut novel! Now I have a whole
new career!
2. Join creative writing groups to improve
your craft. Writing is a lonely occupation, be around other writers will help
you feel more balanced.
3. Being critiqued is the hardest thing because
you can feel very exposed when reading your work. Just know no matter how hard
it is to hear someone else POV on your work. Listen and reflect, because
somewhere in that viewpoint you will often find a treasure that will help
improve your writing.
4. Read, read, and read some more!
What's the
most blatant lie you've ever told?
Not sure
I should tell you. So, I won’t. Sorry. You’ll just have to make it up.
Who do you
see as a hero/heroine in your life?
If it
doesn’t sound too soppy – definitely my husband.
If you were
going to commit the perfect murder, how would you go about it?
Murder is
shared within the pages of my book and purely fictional. I couldn’t think of
anything worse than planning to take a life. But I guess NOT getting caught
would be the answer!
What did you
want to be when you grew up?
I was
told what I had to be and did as I was told. I’ve changed direction many times
since.
Do you have
a favorite quote? “In a gentle way you can shake the world.” Mahatma Gandhi.
What song
would best describe your life? “Give me sunshine.” Eric and Ernie Wise
What is your
favorite drink? Oddly right now, just water. But I do love a good Prosecco.
Do you ever
wish that you had an entirely uncreative job, like data entry or working in a
factory?
No. I’ve
done all the above and loads more, like bar work, school kitchens and cleaning
and enjoyed it. Whatever work I’ve taken on has never bothered me. Writing is a
lonely occupation. What I will say the people in those jobs were usually wildly
entertaining and added to my understanding of life. So, I thank them for making
life fun, varied and interesting.
You can
erase one embarrassing experience from your past. What will it be?
There are
loads, but I remember being sixteen going on seventeen. The elastic in my
knickers gave way and fell down in front of a group of men in a builders yard.
I stepped out of them. Picked them up and walked out with my head up high as if
it were the most natural thing in the world. I’ve never forgotten it though and
still cringe now.
Has the dog
ever eaten your manuscript?
Don’t have a
dog at the moment. Never let a dog, or especially a puppy near your work!
Do you enjoy
giving interviews?
No. I like
interviewing others 😊. If I could have time to write the
answers way before, then that would be my perfect interview.
Do you laugh
at your own jokes?
No, but yes.
I smile and giggle a lot when I try to tell a joke – I usually pick up a thread
about something spoken about earlier and find the funny side a little later on.
I said I have a weird sense of humour.
Are you fun
to go on vacation with?
I’d like to
think I am. I went away with a group of girls for a sixtieth which was
absolutely mad, and many educational residentials which left us in stitches.
Have you
ever found true love?
Yes. I think
I’m one of the fortunate ones – a blind date led me to 45 years of happy
marriage. Hang on a minute, no wonder, he’s still wearing the mask and
headphones!
Are you
jealous of other writers?
No. Why be
jealous. It’s so hard to write and get it right, I’m only too pleased when they
succeed.
What makes
you cry? A soppy movie. A rom com. You name it. If you look carefully I can be
found surreptitiously wiping a tear from the corner of my eye. Currently
there’s a weekly programme – Long Lost Family, now that’s a real tearjerker.
What makes
you laugh? Most things. Silly comments, a joke, reading between the lines, my
husband, my grandchildren, my children, friends. They can all get me going.
I’ve the weirdest sense of humour. Sometimes I find myself giggling when no-one
else can see the funny side and everyone thinks I’m loopy. I can handle that!
What are you
ashamed of?
Not having
enough time for everyone I love and wishing I’d had been a better person.
If you came
with a warning label, what would it say?
“Dangerous
person inside this bottle, shake until thoroughly dizzy. Stand back and wait
for the explosion.”
Do you have
any hobbies?
Painting.
Walking. Socializing. Reading.
If you were
a tool what would you be? A hammer.
What is your
favorite comfort food? Curry, or a roast dinner with all the trimmings.
What is your
favorite time of year and why?
Spring: For
me I love the light. Perfectly balanced, new, and beautiful. Gorgeous for
painting and seeing what a wonderful world we live in.
What is the
one question you wish an interviewer would ask you? What would be my advice be
for budding writers.
Who would I
like to be. A superhero.
If you could
have three wishes granted, what would you wish for?
Three more
wishes. Well you did ask 😊
Everyone to
be happy and healthy
Sharing, kindness,
not greed
Who's more
fun, bad boys or perfect gentlemen? Or Bad Girl or a lady?
Bad boys,
bad girls. Though I do love a gentleman, he might be naughty and that would be
fun.
If you were
stranded on a desert island, what three things would be the most essential for
you?
The complete
works of an easy to follow Do-It-Yourself manual. A massive box of matches,
because I don’t know how to build a fire and a solar radio.
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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0971T3RGC
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/secrets-shame-and-a-shoebox-l-b-griffin/1139665998
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secrets-Shame-Shoebox-L-Griffin-ebook/dp/B0971T3RGC
Blackwells UK
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