Interviewage

[tvordlj]

Interview questions from mistressmalaise
1. You list Barbara Erskine as an interest (along with very few other people!) what is your favourite of her novels, and why?

Probably the first of her books that i read, Child of the Phoenix. I think it was the sense of history that was written into it, combining actual historical figures and the fictional side of the story. I've read a lot of her books and i think i've liked all of them.

2. What is your favourite thing about the UK?
I've always been drawn to the history. I had an excellent teacher for British History in grade 9 (14-15 years old) who had certainly done his research and told us all sorts of interesting stories that weren't in the dry textbook. Around that time i also saw the 6 part Wives of Henry VIII and i was hooked on the Tudors for life. My first real trip was always going to be to the UK and in 1993 i took a bus tour around the country. I love the villages, the cities, the pubs, the museums, the galleries and most of all the people. Since being on the internet, i have added incentive to return as i have so many friends but i like to try to visit a new place in the UK as well, when i come over. I must have lived there in another life, because i also like the culture in general... books, movies, tv shows.

3. What be the first thing you bought if you won a large sum of money on the lottery?

A plane ticket! As much as i love the UK, and i'd certainly start there, i think i would get a round the world plane ticket and make my way through various countries and cities that take my fancy.

4. What is your best childhood memory?
Oh there are so many. I was very lucky to have a good childhood, good parents, lots of friends and relatives who all got along. I remember my nan swinging my sister and i on a hammock, sun warming our faces while she sang songs to us. I remember my dad who's head was encased in a rubber "old man" mask creeping up on his mother and peeking over the arm of her chair. She went into gales of laughter, very unusual for her as she was a quiet, shy woman. There were endless summer sunday's out in the country at my grandparent's "camp" (small cottage) where there were dozens of kids/cousins running around and swimming and playing and picnicking.

5. If you could go back and visit your eighteen year-old self, what advice would you give her?

Oooh good one. "Don't marry the first man that asked you. Being married/being with a man isn't the be all and end all and you can be perfectly happy without one, or at least while you wait for the *right* one. Men are lovely to have in your life but do not define you as a person."

Having said that, i probably wouldn't have come to that conclusion had i not married the wrong man and discovered it the hard way :)

Comments

[sarcaustik.livejournal.com]

Interesting answers. :-) Child of the Phoenix has always been my favourite too, partly because it's the only one set entirely in the past.

[psychfringe.livejournal.com]

I loved Lady of Hay

[naturalbornkaos.livejournal.com]

Me too! :) I read it a year or so ago after a girl at work suggested I'd like it. I was really blown away, so tried reading some more Erskine and found myself disappointed - seemed kinda like really similar takes on the same type of subject matter. Quite formulaic, which is a damn shame as "Lady of Hay" is awesome.

Re:

[psychfringe.livejournal.com]

kingdom of shadows was good too, but not nearly as good as Lady of Hay..
I can still picture her sitting in that bird cage thingy..*shudder*

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[tvor.livejournal.com]

Right. I don't remember a bird cage thing. That's how long it's been since i've read it!