Oh, what a bootiful morning…
And today I would like to welcome fellow Safkhet Publishing author Marilyn Chapman to the blog.
Hi Marilyn, it’s nice to see you here on my blog. It gets lonely sometimes, and I like the company… It’s a bit like speed dating, isn’t it? Not that I’d know anything about that, of course. Not me. But go on, tell me a little about yourself.
I think I was born wanting to be a reporter, but it took 18 years to achieve my goal. Talking of goals, my father was a football journalist who desperately wanted a son. I made up for it by following in his footsteps – and yes, I did get to write about football! I spent my early career on the Blackpool Evening Gazette and later freelanced for national newspapers and magazines, including the Daily Mail and Woman.
My friends have got used to my dry sense of humour which I can only attribute to a very eventful life! Born in Guernsey, I was brought up in Leicester and now live with my incredibly patient husband in Lancashire. A member of the Society of Authors and the Romantic Novelists’ Association, I write commercial women’s fiction full time.
Website http://guernseygirlie.blogspot.co.uk/
And as you are here, I presume you have a book out?
I’m so glad you asked me that! Can I tell you all about it?
Genre:Historical Romance
Title:Baggy Pants and Bootees
Blurb:
When Sophie lands her dream job as a reporter on a Yorkshire newspaper, nothing is going to get in the way of her success. But this is the nineteen sixties and she has reckoned without the attentions of office Romeo Steve and a frantic phone call from her mother after eight years’ silence.
Before they can meet, Frances has a serious accident leaving Sophie to discover for herself the truth about the past. Was her father the all-American officer she dreamt of when she was a child, or someone far more sinister? Her search leads to the mysterious David who uncovers a shocking scandal from before she was born.
Torn between her secret love for Steve and her desire to know who she really is, Sophie follows David to find her father.
Only when faced with the startling truth can she finally accept the tragedy that blew her life apart and begin a different kind of future.
Sales link: Baggy Pants and Bootees
What made you start writing?
My father was a journalist and I was fascinated by the written word from a very young age. In fact, I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember.
What was your inspiration for this book?
I discovered that a relative had never known his birth father and this made me wonder what sort of impact this had on his life. I love the 1960s and the 1940s so thought this was a perfect way to compare the two eras.
What do you find most challenging about your writing?
The many experienced and talented writers that are out there who make me realise how much there is still to achieve.
What do you find most satisfying about your writing?
I like it most when I am developing a character and that character starts to tell me what he or she wants to do next…that’s an amazing feeling.
How did you meet your characters?
They appeared in my head and introduced themselves.
Are any of your characters based on people you know?
There is a little bit of everyone I know in my characters but overall they are sourced from my imagination. My next door neighbour has nothing to worry about!
Which of your characters would you most like to take to the pub?
I’d much rather they all take me – and we can have a party!
What would your characters say about you?
That I’m always analysing them and trying to put them in awkward situations to see how they react.
How did you decide on the Title?
I wanted something that would grab readers’ attention. The brave lads of the 82nd American Airborne Division in World War Two were nicknamed ‘Baggy Pants’ because of the strange combat trousers they wore. The word ‘bootees’ just followed naturally.
What is your favourite line in this book?
My favourite line would give the plot away but I’m quite fond of this one…’Before she could answer, Steve swayed ever so slightly and collapsed in a heap at her feet.’
What are you working on now?
A time-slip novel full of extraordinary secrets…
How do you do your research ? I like to travel to, or stay in the places I write about (especially if it’s somewhere exotic) and I always read everything available about historical events from the era before I begin.
Do you have a favourite place to write? If so, where?
I like to be surrounded by pictures and books in my little office, which looks out over the garden.
If you could go anywhere in the world to write your next book, where would you choose?
A deserted beach on a Mediterranean island (deserted, except for the catering staff.)
When you are not writing, what do you like doing? And with whom?
I love collecting anything vintage; clothes, books furniture, and old photo frames. If I had a time machine I would like to go back and meet Hollywood star James Stewart – he reminds me of my grandfather when he was young.
Who is your favourite author? Rosie Thomas – I met her recently and she’s a prolific writer and the most amazing lady…
What is your favourite film?
Brief Encounter
What is your secret ambition?
It’s a secret!
How do you stay sane – and write?
With great difficulty!
What is your favourite childhood memory? Running through the snow on Christmas day then toasting bread on the open fire at my grandmother’s house. I can still smell the aroma…
What is the most blatant lie you have ever told? That I never tell lies…
Thanks, Marilyn. Cheered up enormously, I’m off to mow the lawns…
willmacmillanjones 
Great answers. 🙂
Well done Marilyn – together we make a fine team. Great life story and very inspiring. Thanks.
So Lin, that’s you and Mary commenting on here rather than giving me your answers…
Back soon been so busy. Will do. I had to go into Alkmaar today. I hope to get back to you soon Will. Thanks for your patience.
Here’s to teamwork, Lin -hoping to see you again soon.
For a minute, I thought you said Lankhmar…
Hi Will – thanks for meeting and greeting me on here – you made my morning! Thanks to everyone else for joining us too…
Always a pleasure to deal with someone so easily pleased, Marilyn.