Q1 Please introduce yourself so readers will get to know you better.
I grew up in a small village in Dudley and still live in the area. It lies on the border of South Staffordshire quite near to Himley Hall. Which was once the grand ancestral home of the Earls of Dudley, and where King Edward VIII and his wife Wallis were known to have stayed.
Like many of my generation I didn’t have the opportunity of a formal education. I left school at fifteen and duly attended the university of life. For several years I worked as a seamstress and was later employed as a sales person in a bridal salon, advising on choice of wedding attire.
Yet, I always had a passion for reading books, and now a newfound enthusiasm as I begin the journey of writing books of my own. And I hope children will enjoy reading my books as much as l’ve loved writing them. As I want to entertain, inspire, and spark the imagination of young minds.
My favourite authors and books include, Daphne Du Maurier and her irresistible Frenchman’s Creek; Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte; The King of Elfland’s Daughter by Lord Dunsany; and Moonfleet by John Meade Faulkner.
I like walking, countryside and nature, as an animal lover I have two adopted donkeys and sponsor one moor pony! I enjoy watching old film noir on tv; and I frequent the venues of Himley and Lower Penn as I like to dine out.
Children’s picture book titles published thus far are: A Puppy’s Tale, The Wych Elm, and The Haunting Tale of The Wood-Nymph.
Q2 What is the inspiration for your book ‘A Puppy’s Tale’?
My picture book A Puppy’s Tale is an amusing and fun story about two rascally pups, and the mischief they create! As the daring puppies set out on a quest to fulfil Snuggle’s dream. The pair delve into the world of fearsome dog tricksters and the dangerous game of magic tail-tricks! The concept was to indicate to young children to value themselves and their own attributes.
Q3 When did you realize you want to be an author.
Sometimes an insignificant incident can be a turning point in a person’s life. I realized quite late that there was something I had to doโฆintuition and my inner voice played a part.
Writing had been waiting for me; awaiting my recognition. I just had to take the first step.
Q4 Please tell us something about your book ‘The Haunting Tale of the Wood-Nymph’?
The fairytale tells the story of a beautiful wood-nymph queen and what befalls her after an encounter with a strikingly handsome hobgoblin. I will give an excerpt from the book:
The realm of the wood-nymph queen had basked in abundant and harmony for years without number. All that the woodland kingdom yielded was her bounty. The tall cloistered trees of shade, the dells of wild flowers and corn, the rushing water of the rill. This was her realm, the moon her orb, and the wych elm her sceptre.
Her powers of enchantment encompassed all the wooded territories, extending to the furthest corners of the kingdom. But beyond the utmost boundary the way was barred to her. Long ago, it was preordained, if she ventured to pass the ancient ley lines belonging to nature and unexplained, this would be a violation of the Law. To breach its covenant was forbidden, and brings into play unforeseen forces. Throughout time, the Law of Consequence, the judgement of cause and effect has remained absolute. Therefore, the gifts once bestowed, would be diminished.
On a night when the moon, myth, and magic aligned with destiny’s design, a stranger on horseback stumbled upon the hidden path to the secret wood. At the water’s edge the two meet. Whether by chance or by design, it was as though she had been waiting for him. Like a leaf is blown on a scurry of wind no one can foretell where it may fall.
She inclined her head to meet his gaze, and though unbidden, he stretched out his hand to help raise her up. It was as if a cold hand clasped her heart. He introduced himself as Bojangles. He was a member of a wandering tribe of hobgoblins of some notoriety, aimlessly they roved from place to place. Never staying too long in any village or pasture.
He had a swarthy face, and his nose had the curve of an eagle’s beak. His dark blue eyes were deep-set with a certain gleam; and his mouth twisted into a wry gnomish smile. A quiff of a curl fell on his brow, and a pigtail of raven-black hair skimmed his shoulder. Showing his perfectly formed pointed ears, a hoop of gold dangled from his earlobe which glinted as his head turned. He was a tad too handsome by half, and many a sprite and fairy had swooned at the sight of the errant hobgoblin.
Moonlight can play tricks and deceive a kind heart, and one can be blind to the demon seed in disguise. Bojangles used soft words to cajole and flatter. Just like the wheat worm moves up the stem to destroy the wheat ear, so he made his way into her heart.
The appointed time had come, midnight, on the witches sabbath. That bewitched hour of allotted time when witches stir and spirits dance. In the midst of the revelry, the wood-nymph queen appeared. Bedazzling in a garment of emerald green satin with a flounce of white lace at her ankle. Abruptly, Bojangles stepped out of the shadows. His eyes riveted and his lip curled as he looked upon the wood-nymph queen. Like a moth to the flame; he coveted her above all others. With a look of amusement in his eyes, the nefarious hobgoblin led the merry dance. The wood-nymph’s gaze followed him with feline, catlike jade-green eyes.
Gradually, she began to meld into the verdant greenery of the wood. The brilliance of her emerald gown matched by the fervour of her stark green eyes. It was as though the two became one, unbounded, and the twain could not be severed. The mystic goddess of the tree straddled both worlds, her earthly body to roam the earth plain; and the unknown, her spirit existing within the tree. Its mysteries known to her alone, and to no other.
Beneath the hallowed boughs of the haunted tree, the misalliance ensued. With the backdrop of the setting sun; the rites of the ceremony were witnessed by her subjects and the leery eyes of the woodland. Their custom was to exchange a pledge of devotion; she gave him a set of jewelled buttons. In return, he offered a silver key on a chain saying it was the key to his heart.
To all intent and purpose, the pair seemed happy for a while. But like an inconstant wind things can change fairly soon. He became restless, with what he thought a humdrum life in the quiet of woodland. For Bojangles, the chase was over. A wanderlust ran through his veins. He had an urge to travel, and taste all the fruits of life on offer. His influence was strong; he persisted that the wood-nymph discover lands that lay beyond the secret wood.
Wakeful and undecided on her course. To relinquish her throne and powers, and leave her woodland companions behind; or to adhere to her vows. For she had sworn an oath to stay by his side. At long last, the wood-nymph determined for good or ill, she would follow where he led. Intrigues of the heart are hard to figure. Perhaps, she had a strategy.
I hope you enjoyed this abridged taster!
I wanted to explore the myth of wood-nymphs transforming into animals. Rather than just write that the wood-nymph had changed into a vixen. I wrote from the perspective of the she-fox. What she ate, her deadly fears of being hunted, and her fight for survival in the wild.
The moral of the story: Don’t put your trust in handsome hobgoblinsโฆfor sure as not, they’ll let you down in the end!
Q5 For what age group is your book ‘The Wych Elm’ suitable for?
My book The Wych Elm was written to bridge the gap between early reader picture books and chapter books. Age 6-8 years plus. I am pleased that it has been called an online bestseller!
Q6 What is your favourite quote?
The line actor Alan Ladd said to actress Veroncia Lake in the film The Blue Dahlia.
Quote: ‘Every guy’s seen you somewhere beforeโฆthe trick is finding you.’
Q7 What do you like the most about your country?
I recently received a message from an author in the US. She prefers setting the scene for her novels in Old Europe, as she thinks it gives her books a better perspective. The influence of culture and the scenery of lands steeped in rich history.
From John o’ Groats to Land’s End we have amazing scenery and people. Our forefathers gave the world the Magna Carta, language, literature, and more recently the internet!
Q8 What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
I would not profess to make any suggestions to parents. They are best placed to decide on their child’s reading habit.
Q9 What does literary success look like to you?
Literary success to me would see my children’s books inspiring and nurturing young minds for many years to come. I would also be thrilled if they were made into animated films!
Q10 Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
In my early life I was lucky to have the guidance of two wonderful grandmothers; I loved them equally and dearly. My grandmothers were resilient, both had hard lives working long hours in trade. They instilled in me the work ethic and a sense of never give upโฆdon’t look back and don’t look down. Their names were Leah and Matilda.
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