next big thing

A very long time ago, Helen from at least I have a brain tagged me to participate in a meme. I don’t always do these, but this one caught my imagination. Of course, it’s meant to be for writers and I don’t yet see myself as a writer. Isobel tells me I am, and I’ve started to consider maybe doing a creative writing course/ workshop/ something, so it’s a work in progress.

Maybe this is a first step…

What is my next big thing?

My blogging is blurty. Whatever’s in my head comes out. I do edit, for typos and rephrasing, but mostly the post is published pretty much as it first appeared on screen. That gives the honesty, emotion and enthusiasm that you sometimes see, but it’s rough. I’d like to learn more about the skill of writing, even if my focus is still on me and my world.

Eventually, I’d like to use writing some way. Pseu, recently retired from this bloggy parish, told me about therapeutic writing with palliative care. Helping people tell their stories, to ‘put the drawer in order’ would be a remarkable thing.

What is the working title for your book?

Until I Do Something Else

Where did the idea come from for your book/ blog?

I’m a reader. I started to read blogs and realised the power of connection, of sharing. The blog is personal, because there is enormous value in clearing my head.

What genre does your book/ blog fall under?

Despite the references to loss and rebuilding, this is not self help/ misery lit or even middle aged woman finding value in challenge… If anything, I’m aiming for real life, but emphasising the ridiculous.

A mash up of Christopher Brookmyre, Marian Keyes and Iona Heath, perhaps.

Which actors would you choose for a movie rendition of your book/ blog?

Spurs Fan will be played by Liam Neeson. You needed to ask?

Jane Fonda- Herself

Ian McElhinney– Handsome Husband

Any of the girls from Matilda

Patrick Dempsey may seem an unlikely choice to play the Brother (the hair issue), but he’s got a similar dancey eye vibe.

President Bartlet (I’m sure he’s real) will make guest appearances as the old man.

Eddie can play dumb and be Jake.

Grandad will be John Thaw and Nana will be Michelle Dotrice. Arty Lady will be played to great effect by Gemma Arterton– if she can cope with Bond, she can cope with the McSpecs.

Pardon? Oh yes, well, I’m not actually going to let anyone else snuggle up to Liam am I? I’m being me.

What is the one sentence synopsis of your book/ blog?

Life: a new handbag always helps.

How long did it take you to write the first draft?

I’m still working on it.

What other books would you compare yours to?

Clare Balding’s My Animals and Other Family and Lisa Lynch’s The Big C– they both have humanity, humour and honesty. Telling it like it is- real lives and everywomen, despite lifestyles wildly different from mine.

Who or what inspired you to write this book/ blog?

Time and trauma.

Rubbing expensive handcream into my mother’s feet in her last days and wondering how I’d tell that tale…

What else about your book might pique your readers’ interest?

You mean, glamour, tears, handbags and Liam Neeson aren’t enough?

When and how will it be published?

Here and now. Sign up for email updates: like Dickens, I’m serialising.

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I’m not tagging anyone; play along if you feel like it.