Where were you born and where do you live at the moment?
I am a Gibraltarian (from Gibraltar – a British colonial), who now lives on the Isle of Wight
Have you always lived and worked in Britain or are you based elsewhere at the moment?
I grew up in Gibraltar, before I came to study in the University of Southampton when I was 18. I then worked in Reading as a VAT Consultant, before I changed career and moved to Twickenham to retrain as a Teacher of Mathematics. I then lived in Kingston Upon Thames, Watford, Hatfield and Rotterdam (The Netherlands) before finally moving to the Island.
Which is your favourite part of Britain?
I do love the Isle of Wight, but I have to admit that being by the River Thames was fantastic. I also think the Peak District is beautiful. I have also visited Wales & Scotland and have been impressed by the people, traditions and areas of beauty. If I had to choose, I would say the Isle of Wight, purely because I love the sight of the sea, and you can’t escape it here.
Have you ‘highlighted’ or ‘showcased’ any particular part of Britain in your books? For example, a town or city; a county, a monument or some well-known place or event?
HYBRID starts in the University of Southampton, and is based in Hampshire for the first half of the book. In COMPLICATIONS my main characters take a journey from Southampton to Ilfracombe.
There is an illusion – or myth if you wish - about British people that I would like you to discuss. Many see the ‘Brits’ as ‘stiff upper lip’. Is that correct?
Seeing as I am colonial British I can answer this from the point of view of a foreigner. When I first arrived in England I could not believe how “cold” people appeared. I remember crying due to home sickness and no-one coming to check on me. When I asked why no-one had later on I was told it was best to leave me to it. I could not believe it! In Gibraltar, my friends would have been there for me like a rash.
I have now adapted and have found that when you make friends they tend to be true ones. The English (I can’t speak for others) tend to be slightly wary of strangers, they are not open books. I now think this is a good thing. I give away far too much of myself, it exposes me…
Do any of the characters in your books carry the ‘stiff upper lip’? Or are they all ‘British Bulldog’ and unique in their own way?
My main character, Steven, comes from a privileged background. But, he is level headed. I met many “stiff upper lip” types in my first job and the accent meant nothing. Most of the time they were the nicest, most chilled out and outgoing people I have ever met. There advantage in life did not seem a disadvantage (if you know what I mean).
Tell us about one of your recent books
COMPLICATIONS came out in November. It is the second book in The Evolution Trilogy.
The Evolution Trilogy charts the journey taken by Steven Thorn when he discovers he is a member of the next evolutionary stage of mankind. The difference being that he is a Hybrid - half new breed, half human.
Throughout the Trilogy we meet and find out about this new community of individuals. These special people have vampiric tendencies and are exceptional in many ways. They are a family, they look out for each other, they keep to themselves, and they care for one another. Generally, they stay away from humanity, but this is all set to change.
The next stage of evolution is complete, and the new members of humanity will come face to face with their ancestors.
In HYBRID, Caitlin Chance and Steven Thorn's meet at University and fall in love at first sight. However, when Steven is discovered they are forced to separate. Steve is taken to the community and his fate is sealed. He is not normal and his choices are restricted. An accident will change this, his life is about to get complicated...
In COMPLICATIONS, Steven gets to know his grandparents and comes face to face with the reality of his mother's internal struggle. His mum, Emily, has a dark side that once exposed reveals her true nature. It turn out she is the main reason they can not live amongst humanity. However, when Steven manages to convince his grandparents to return to England, he is reunited with Caitlin, and then events take a further twist. It makes the return to the community imminent...
In RETURN (to be published in 2013) the future for the community, Caitlin and Steven is revealed...
What are you currently working on?
RETURN, the final book in the Trilogy.
How do you spend your leisure time?
If you mean REAL leisure time then it’s walking, reading, swimming and watching a movie.
Do you write for a local audience or a global audience?
A global audience.
Can you provide links to your work?
The Evolution Series
Seasonal Short Stories
Twitter
Main Blog
The Evolution Trilogy Blog
Facebook
A Reader’s Perspective
Diary of the Festival of Writing, York, UK, 2012
Short Stories Group
Goodreads
The Writer’s Workshop
I have now asked a few lovely people via Twitter and they have agreed to do their own VERY BRITISH blog posts soon, and attach their posts to mine as soon as they have done them!
If you are interested please let me know... only 5 spaces left!
Speak soon,
Vanessa :) xx hugs
Anyway, I have some pictures to share... the ski gear is not flattering! How to put back on a stone via clothing! Ha ha
We started badly! None of us could get hold of the pully thing and did spectacular falls! Oh well... but I got the hang of it and progressed to do a great pizza!
Unfortunately, I did manage to fall a few times - watch out for the huge BUTT! Ha ha ha
