Our fifth Writer Of The Day in this week’s January 11 issue is Anna Hamblin . . .
“The Lucky Socks” is your first story for “The People’s Friend”. It’s a poignant story, and yet fun and uplifting, too. Can you tell us how or where you got the idea?
I have often wondered if you really believed that seeing two magpies would bring you joy, whether that would have a positive effect on your day. So, I started to wonder if for some reason you were denied your lucky sock what would happen?
Tell us a bit about yourself and your writing, Anna. Are you new to it or have you been writing away for years?
I’m 52 and married to Jonathan, who was more excited than I was about getting published! I have the great pleasure of looking after my young grandson, Jura, in the day and we spend a lot of our time together making up stories.
I have one vice: I can’t pass a second-hand book shop without going in. Somehow those coins in my purse insist on demanding a home in the shop’s till in exchange for a book!
I’ve been writing for years and have folders of stories that are a complete mess, that I always mean to untangle into a coherent story, but pop, there comes another idea and I’m off on another writing adventure!
Is there any one writer you particularly admire, or anyone in particular who has inspired you?
The author Connie Willis always inspires me. She taught me that even in the most dramatic situation, there is a place for humour.
Do you belong to a writing group? Do you think they’re useful for writers?
I don’t belong to a writing group, but I feel that I would benefit from joining one. The companionship would be inspiring and comforting.
Notebook and pencil or laptop? Kitchen table or study? Blank wall or inspiring view?
I write with a notebook and a pencil. I don’t have a favourite place to write, but I always write with a hooded sweatshirt on. If things aren’t going well, I pull the hood over my ears for comfort!
And a P.S. — what’s your top tip for another aspiring Writer Of The Day?
My top tip is to think what your story is about in two words and keep thinking about them as you write it. It stops the story running away with itself!
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Shirley Blair Fiction Ed Shirley’s been with the “Friend” since 2007 and calls it her dream job because she gets to read fiction all day every day. Hobbies? Well, that would be reading! She also enjoys writing fiction when she has time, long walks, travel, and watching Scandi thrillers on TV.
