For a novice like me, the interviews I have had about Walking on Ice started out ordinary enough, and they went sort of like what I was expecting. Initially I would refer the interviewer to my back cover for more information that they could copy and paste to their article. Ro Cambridge had cast her experienced hand and sharp eye over every word on the back page of Walking on Ice, her talent forming succinct and powerful images that my wandering sentences could not distil as well. Journalists were more than happy with this efficient 'cut and paste' ploy.
Lately however, my questioner has taken me down roads less well travelled. After an hour or so of sharing quite intimate stories together, I have been left wondering a) how the public might respond to such ramblings and b) how the interviewer will be able to explain the inordinate amount of time spent on the phone to me.
When the article comes out, I have been more than surprised that my interviewer has managed to piece together some interesting and relevant general information about the story, not mentioning material from our intimate chats.
It has made me think about writing such a book and the effect it has on the reader. All but one of my interviewers has read the book, or started the first few chapters "and can't put it down" ( surprised tone). It seems that these are the ones who want to talk about why on earth I went out there, how did I manage the isolation, what happened to my dog, did I have many more spiritual experiences, have I ever been back, and why not? How on earth did I find time to write while working full time, do I find the writer's life more fulfilling, and what is Gary doing now? (for starters)
It is as if I have a new group of friends interested in my private life, and amazed about the unexpected journey I took. "Life can turn on a moment in time, can't it?" "Your story is so inspiring to me." To hear that from an experienced writer/ journalist. SO cool.
Lately however, my questioner has taken me down roads less well travelled. After an hour or so of sharing quite intimate stories together, I have been left wondering a) how the public might respond to such ramblings and b) how the interviewer will be able to explain the inordinate amount of time spent on the phone to me.
When the article comes out, I have been more than surprised that my interviewer has managed to piece together some interesting and relevant general information about the story, not mentioning material from our intimate chats.
It has made me think about writing such a book and the effect it has on the reader. All but one of my interviewers has read the book, or started the first few chapters "and can't put it down" ( surprised tone). It seems that these are the ones who want to talk about why on earth I went out there, how did I manage the isolation, what happened to my dog, did I have many more spiritual experiences, have I ever been back, and why not? How on earth did I find time to write while working full time, do I find the writer's life more fulfilling, and what is Gary doing now? (for starters)
It is as if I have a new group of friends interested in my private life, and amazed about the unexpected journey I took. "Life can turn on a moment in time, can't it?" "Your story is so inspiring to me." To hear that from an experienced writer/ journalist. SO cool.
RSS Feed