Jessie Cahalin

I am really happy today to be chatting with Jessie Cahalin. Blogger, friend to authors and now an author herself with her debut novel You Can’t Go It Alone.

 

Could you tell us about yourself?

I’m the proud author of ‘You Can’t Go It Alone’ and creator of Books in my Handbag Blog. Thanks for inviting me to chat with you. My parents were almost Ten Pound Poms, and I have always wanted to visit Australia to imagine how my life could have been. I’m thrilled to be visiting a blog made in Australia.

I hail from Yorkshire in the north of England but now live in Wales. I love to travel the world and collect cultural gems. I search for happy endings, where possible; great coffee, food and music give me inspiration. I adore books, bags, writing and photography.

Having overcome my fear of self-publishing, I am now living the dream of introducing the characters who have been hassling me for decades. My debut novel, ‘You Can’t Go It Alone’, is a heart-warming tale about the challenges women still face in society. The novel has light-hearted moments and presents hope. As C. S. Lewis said, ‘We read to know we are not alone.’

When did you first decide to write and what got you started?

Olive Tree Café

My mother inspired me to write from a very young age. When I was a child she engaged me in writing descriptions of places. We would discuss the sights and sounds when shopping, visiting the park, sitting on the bus etc. This game inspired me to observe people and places and make up stories for my younger brother. My mother was clever at encouraging me to use my daydreaming and nosy nature in a positive manner. Apparently, as a small child I would stare and stare at people for hours. I am still nosy but a little more discrete now. But, I do enjoy listening in to conversations when sitting in my favourite coffee shop.

That’s my MO as well, watching and listening to people.  A bit weird if some inspirational writings didn’t come from it.