Ask Me Anything

There is a blogger from the UK I have recently started reading. I enjoy her insights and in particular, her fiction. Vic from Little Bits was interviewed recently by one of her fellow bloggers and asked if anyone was interested in being interviewed by her. I thought it would be fun, so I said I would.

Here are her five questions –

1. Best book you ever read and why?

This is a hard one. There are so many. There is a book that sticks in my mind all the time, though, because the writing is extraordinary. It is The Little Friend by Donna Tartt.  Donna Tartt is a much lauded writer and her first novel The Secret History has been published in over 20 languages. It was rumoured she received a one million dollar advance for The Little Friend yet many people claim to not like it as much as her first novel.

I think it is an outstanding novel. It is a mystery novel, but to me the plot is secondary to the wonderful characters. The family of eccentric aunts and the main character, 12-year old, Harriet, could have been formed by Harper Lee herself. I love this novel and think Tartt is a genuis.

It was a fast, fresh, airy day. Low clouds raced across the sky. The grass – which needed cutting….was sprinkled with violets…..and the wind rippled through it in erratic currents and eddies like wind on the sea. Wisteria tendrils undulated from the screen porch, delicate as seaweed. (p.57)

2. When and why did you last have butterflies in your stomach?

Last night as I was thinking about my boy starting a new school. But like most attacks of the butterflies, I was worrying about nothing. I have found it’s when I don’t worry, when I’m complacent, that the bad things happen.

3. Christmas chocolates or Easter?

CHRISTMAS. There are Aussie chocolates called Cadbury Favourites that I buy every year at Christmas. I have been known to eat the whole box. I also love chocolate-coated peanuts and sultanas. Mhmmmmm.

4. Why is self-expression so important?

For so many reasons.

Because it allows us –

To truly know ourselves.

To make sense of the world.

To experience pleasure. To experience pain.

To celebrate creativity.

To emphasize the importance of individuality over conformity.

To continue to believe in dreams.

5. Why do doctors leave the room when you change if they’re going to see you naked anyway?

They leave the room so they can press the record button on their video camera or else watch you through the peephole they have made in the enormous print of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers that hangs in their office. Or maybe they are giving you the chance to hide your granny undies (the only ones that were clean) in your handbag.

That was fun. Thanks, Vic.

Vic also gave me this award which I am really touched about.

Thanks again!!!

If anyone would like to be interviewed by me, please feel free to say so in the comments. That would be a lot of fun!