Sentiment

Written for http://earthlycomforts.uk/2023/04/15/the-garden-dawdler-4/

Are you utterly minimalistic in your lifestyle, an absolute clutterer hoarder, or just messy?

I am not any good in throwing things away, neither is my husband. If it belonged to someone else, it holds a great deal of sentiment.

Do you prefer to sit on a chair, cushion, bench, floor or something else for comfort and which? I prefer a chair, and have acquired my brother-in-law’s bean bag, which I put my feet up on. I suffer with sciatica (not now, but it could happen any time. Especially when I move too quick) so it help to keep my legs straight.

What is the most challenging part of your writing process?

When I first write something, it is okay. Although, the editing I could do without. It is that moment you read what is on the page, and think; why did I write that? It’s rubbish.

Do you think you are an addictive or non-addictive personality? I am addictive, when it comes to playing games on my phone. I sit there, on solitaire, Harry Potter, Ever merge, Royal Match.

Do you feel in any way, shape or form threatened by the arrival of AI [Artificial Intelligence] opportunities or welcome the progression into your life with ease?

Has anyone never watched the Terminator films!

What subjects or topics inspire you to create the most concerning your writing?

When I wrote my first book, it was because I was bullied as a child. My second book was because I found out that domestic violence can happen in any family, mostly happening in secret. My main character ”Martha” became part of my life for seven years. My work in progress is about crossing county lines, drugs, and that it is more common place than most parents think. During my research I found out about the Chicken Shop Scam. Where teenagers, vulnerable adults are lured into a trade. A chicken meal is brought, and because they want payment back, they will ask the person to deliver a package (which goes missing). Fifty pounds becomes thousands. Most of the time the person concerned doesn’t think they are being targeted.

When was the last time you walked through a graveyard?

To visit my Dad’s grave at Christmas. I live away from where I used to live, so cannot go there as often as I would like. I was only a little out of my teenage years when he died from Cancer.

What are your top five favourite flowers?

My favourite is a red rose, because that was my dad’s favourite. I also love Daffodils, Carnations, pink blossom.

What would you say would be your writing quirk?

I am an emotive writer, and all my stories follow a female lead. I learnt, while editing my book ”It Won’t Happen Again”, that the character has to go on a journey. A positive change to show they have learnt from their mistakes. I want the reader to think about things they wouldn’t normally think about; especially mental health.