Introducing author Felicity Lennie and your chance to win an original prize!
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Today I am pleased to be introducing you to a wonderful author I met on Twitter. Felicity Lennie has written numerous books, she's also a musician and has a myriad of other talents and interests, including making rockets! I am totally fascinated by this author as she seems to come up with a new creative idea every day. I wonder where she gets the time and energy for all she accomplishes. As well as being an author or countless books, she hosts no less than three blogs and makes her own book trailers, including composing the music herself!
I am excited because as well as agreeing to answer my interview questions, Felicity has thought up a very inventive and original prize for my blog readers. Followers of my blog will know that usually my guests give away a book or two when they appear on my blog, but today you are in for an extra special treat. One lucky reader of my blog will win a fabulous prize. Please keep reading to the end to find out what you could win and how to enter!
I recently read Felicity's book, Libra Liberati. A fun, murder mystery, revolving around the life of a famous (fictional) author. I would highly recommend it. I am now keen to read some more of Felicity's book.
Okay, that's enough chat from me, let's get on to the interview. Here it is:
I recently read and enjoyed 'Libra Liberati'. This book is a humourous murder mystery revolving around the life and works of an author. What inspired the character, Libra Liberati, and was she based on any author or authors you had read?
No idea where she came from and not based on anyone. It’s the name ‘Libra’ that is significant. An Italian friend died when I was 18. She was paralysed completely save for her facial muscles but she used to have everyone laughing all the time with her mad jokes. I asked her how she could joke all the time when her life was so challenged.
She said :- ‘I have only one choice left in life. I can be happy and make everyone around me happy or I can be sad and make them sad. I choose joy.’
She was one of my ‘significant signposts’ on the road of life. There she was in that hospital bed with no family or close friends visiting her but she was like sunshine to the other patients, one of whom was my Gran. I promised to remember her and I have. Her name ‘Libra’ will live on in this book after I am gone. It is my gift to her for the life lesson she gave me. When I’m down I say to myself – ‘ I choose Joy ’ and that was Libra’s gift to me. Sometimes laughing in the face of appalling tragedy is our only weapon and only defence.
You have written 14 books. Can you briefly tell us about each book and why you wrote it.
I wanted to be a seismologist but couldn’t be. I was a musician so everyone wanted me to do that but I wanted to be a writer. My English teacher told me I couldn’t write until I had truly ‘lived’. I guess I got carried away ‘living’ but when my young friend found out she was dying, she insisted I start writing promising to proofread and edit it. Dad was dying too so I gave up work and wrote at his bedside. They both died before it was finished. A young male friend of mine always wanted to be man of action and adventure but died too. I imagined the sort of life he always wished he had and wrote it for him and my friend, dedicating the book to them all.
Most of my stories were to entertain fellow-patients. I was stuck with about 9 others far away from home for weeks on end in digs having treatment. Days were slow so I filled them with cliff-hanger stories and adventures. They died. I lived. The books are a lasting memorial of that time and those people. They are in the British Library so after I go, all our names will be there rubbing shoulders with Agatha Christie, Dickens, Shakespeare, Chaucer and all the ‘greats’. It gives me goosebumps. Now I just write because I can and the clock is ticking so I am in a hurry. I’m trying all the different genres to see if I can do them all but not Romance.
How long does it take you to write a novel?
First one took too long due to loads of research. Each one takes less time. Last two were each written in a week.
Wow!
Are you writing a book at the moment? If so, can you tell us a little about it?
I’ve been writing a ghost story for some time in relay with a Canadian writer, also ill…. A labour of love for us both.
As to my current personal project - my best friend has told me after years of badgering I can write about him (something I have always wanted to do since he is beyond belief and utterly unique. The adventures I have shared with him and my husband are way more exciting than any book I have ever read but he wouldn’t let me before so I have kept my promise ….. but now I can tell the world ….. awesome or what !)
As I have been following you on Twitter, I know that you recently started making your own book trailers for your books. You also compose the music. Do you have a musical background?
Yes and that’s why I was kind-of corralled into a musical career. Started piano lessons at the age of 3 and taught for a while later on. Studied Piano, Cello and unlikely as it sounds Opera Singing at College but also played trombone in a Silver Band, Church Organ and guitar, and zither in Folk Group. Used to write a lot of music and wrote a Musical about ‘Nancy Astor’ with a drummer friend.
I read on your bio that you like to set yourself a number of challenges each year. I believe you started doing this from the age of 12. Was there a reason for this, and have you managed to accomplish all your challenges?
Yes. I wanted to see what this person called ‘me’ could do. It seems logical that without trying everything I can’t possibly know what I could be good or not good at. There have been some surprises and some shocks! My best friend did it for a while too but she emigrated. I haven’t ploughed a whole field yet, seen the Aurora or been in the Arctic Circle though I have had opportunities to do them (one with marines expedition years ago). Strangely no matter how weird they are, the opportunities always turn up … it’s for me to accept or not. Mostly I accept. My mum made me say ‘Yes’ to everything more or less.
What are your outstanding challenges for this year, and do you think you'll accomplish them?
I’ve done 5...well 6 really and halfway to finishing 7 but added 3 more then lost one because I can’t get to Book festival this year. The Orrery is tricky but invariably expert advice will turn up from somewhere if I need it. My website is
Felicity Lennie
I recently nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award, and part of that included that you had to reveal 7 things about yourself. I must admit a couple of your revelations have made me curious. You state that a famous pirate and an inventor are your ancestors. Who are they?
I cannot say but if you had a mind, you might work it out. The clues are all there. I can tell you the pirate was extremely smart and the inventor was extremely smart too. I could tell you lots of interesting stuff but I won’t. I love secrets and I know quite a few.
Compared to my husband’s family tree, mine is quite ordinary. His father told me of his extraordinary pedigree but I thought he was joking at the time. It seems not and you could write a ton of books about them. I can tell you an interesting story about them and the Battle of Culloden but I won’t. I like secrets.
LOL. Now I'm even more curious!!
You also stated in the 7 things you revealed that you once had a million hits in 6 months on a website you created. What type of website was it, and are there any tips you can share with us about how you promoted it?
Amateur Rocketry and I worked hard on it sometimes through the night but then I was often in pain and it took my mind off things. It was all-singing … all dancing ….. colourful and I kept it up-to-date and constantly changing. I created crosswords… puzzles… online Treasure Hunts …. Logic Problems …. Still have a lot of them. Doing a crossword puzzle in the shape of a rocket was my pinnacle I think though all the Treasure Hunts were pretty cool. I was learning web-mastering at the time and had been at it a couple of years. One thing I learnt quickly was that being flash didn’t pay off- that it wasn’t about showing off my web skills but about showing off the club’s rocketry skills. I certainly put the area on the map around the world for a couple of years and got feedback from the most extraordinary places. We fascinated people. One thing I learnt was that people liked an easy-to navigate website.
You have varied interests, as well as writing and music, including astronomy and seismology. It seems to me that you are the type of person who is always looking for the next challenge. What keeps you motivated?
Death.
Life is a gift. Don’t waste time! My mother grabbed Life by the throat and squeezed every last second out of it. I would not be her daughter if I did not do the same. When you are dead you can’t do stuff so do it now.
You have two interesting blogs, as well as your fel-osophy blog: Castaway Astronomer and Castaway Author. They are great. I answered the questions on the Castaway Author one, and it was fun to do! How did you come up with the idea for those?
As a toddler I told my parents I intended to live on a deserted island with my large number of imaginary friends. In some ways like the ‘Simon and Garfunkle’ song I have lived my life on that imaginary island without anyone noticing. I thought being creative others might feel the same way as me. My husband thought Astronomers would appreciate dark island skies too so hence the blogs. We are highly competitive with each other my husband and I.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think you've answered the Castaway Author questions, so I'll ask you a couple of them here:
Which of your own characters would you choose to be shipwrecked with and why?
All the dogs in ‘Edison Landrake ‘ , the dying house in ‘Backwater’ and Gilbert’s Pagani Zonda since no-one would care that I haven’t passed my test so I could drive round the island in it………………..FAST!!!
Which one of your books would you nominate for the library and what do you think it would contribute to future readers who might get shipwrecked there?
The one I’m about to write about my real best friend…. That will make toes curl and your heart skip a few beats !!!!
Do you have a favourite author?
No. I have favourite books but Far from the Madding Crowd is a favourite (read 18 times) and ‘Jude The Obscure’ is my least favourite (same author) This goes for Charles Kingsley… a favourite and one I don’t’ like by the same author. I judge each book individually. Love Icelandic Sagas and Anglo-Saxon Chronicles though.
Do you prefer print books or ebooks?
Have to enlarge the print ridiculously to be able to read any length so can’t read books anymore- eyesight problems.
Do you have any advice for anyone who is thinking of self-publishing a book?
Only Miss Crute’s …
‘If you haven’t hooked your reader by the end of the first sentence, don’t bother writing anymore.
‘Don’t’ be satisfied with less than 100% your best effort. The book will be how you are judged as a person too so be sure that it stands for the best you can possibly be.
Give your characters a hook to hang their hat on .
From following you on Twitter, I know you are big fan of musicals. Do you have a favourite musical? And if you could star in a musical which character would you like to play and why?
Crikey …. An old lady who said she could read fortunes told me once I would end up on Broadway. Overheard by family, it has been a thorn in my side ever since.
As a child I wanted to be Cyd Charisse which is kind of nice ‘cos my husband is her biggest fan and painted her on the side of his biggest Rocket. I’d love to do that ‘Bandwagon’ final number hot sexy or what …..that dress… wow!
Most like me of course would be ‘The Unsinkable Molly Brown’ … I could give that some ‘wellie’.
Thank you, Felicity!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I told you she was a fascinating lady, didn't I?
Check out Felicity's novels here: http://www.felicity-lennie.com/
Now, I know you're eager to find out what you can win! Felicity has offered to write a short story on any topic for the winner of this contest. The winner gets to choose what the story is about. A personal short story, written for YOU by the extraordinarily talented Felicity Lennie!
To enter, please leave a comment below stating what you would choose as the topic for the short story. A winner will be chosen on 30th July 2012!
Good luck!
Today I am pleased to be introducing you to a wonderful author I met on Twitter. Felicity Lennie has written numerous books, she's also a musician and has a myriad of other talents and interests, including making rockets! I am totally fascinated by this author as she seems to come up with a new creative idea every day. I wonder where she gets the time and energy for all she accomplishes. As well as being an author or countless books, she hosts no less than three blogs and makes her own book trailers, including composing the music herself!
I am excited because as well as agreeing to answer my interview questions, Felicity has thought up a very inventive and original prize for my blog readers. Followers of my blog will know that usually my guests give away a book or two when they appear on my blog, but today you are in for an extra special treat. One lucky reader of my blog will win a fabulous prize. Please keep reading to the end to find out what you could win and how to enter!
I recently read Felicity's book, Libra Liberati. A fun, murder mystery, revolving around the life of a famous (fictional) author. I would highly recommend it. I am now keen to read some more of Felicity's book.
Okay, that's enough chat from me, let's get on to the interview. Here it is:
I recently read and enjoyed 'Libra Liberati'. This book is a humourous murder mystery revolving around the life and works of an author. What inspired the character, Libra Liberati, and was she based on any author or authors you had read?
No idea where she came from and not based on anyone. It’s the name ‘Libra’ that is significant. An Italian friend died when I was 18. She was paralysed completely save for her facial muscles but she used to have everyone laughing all the time with her mad jokes. I asked her how she could joke all the time when her life was so challenged.
She said :- ‘I have only one choice left in life. I can be happy and make everyone around me happy or I can be sad and make them sad. I choose joy.’
She was one of my ‘significant signposts’ on the road of life. There she was in that hospital bed with no family or close friends visiting her but she was like sunshine to the other patients, one of whom was my Gran. I promised to remember her and I have. Her name ‘Libra’ will live on in this book after I am gone. It is my gift to her for the life lesson she gave me. When I’m down I say to myself – ‘ I choose Joy ’ and that was Libra’s gift to me. Sometimes laughing in the face of appalling tragedy is our only weapon and only defence.
You have written 14 books. Can you briefly tell us about each book and why you wrote it.
I wanted to be a seismologist but couldn’t be. I was a musician so everyone wanted me to do that but I wanted to be a writer. My English teacher told me I couldn’t write until I had truly ‘lived’. I guess I got carried away ‘living’ but when my young friend found out she was dying, she insisted I start writing promising to proofread and edit it. Dad was dying too so I gave up work and wrote at his bedside. They both died before it was finished. A young male friend of mine always wanted to be man of action and adventure but died too. I imagined the sort of life he always wished he had and wrote it for him and my friend, dedicating the book to them all.
Most of my stories were to entertain fellow-patients. I was stuck with about 9 others far away from home for weeks on end in digs having treatment. Days were slow so I filled them with cliff-hanger stories and adventures. They died. I lived. The books are a lasting memorial of that time and those people. They are in the British Library so after I go, all our names will be there rubbing shoulders with Agatha Christie, Dickens, Shakespeare, Chaucer and all the ‘greats’. It gives me goosebumps. Now I just write because I can and the clock is ticking so I am in a hurry. I’m trying all the different genres to see if I can do them all but not Romance.
How long does it take you to write a novel?
First one took too long due to loads of research. Each one takes less time. Last two were each written in a week.
Wow!
Are you writing a book at the moment? If so, can you tell us a little about it?
I’ve been writing a ghost story for some time in relay with a Canadian writer, also ill…. A labour of love for us both.
As to my current personal project - my best friend has told me after years of badgering I can write about him (something I have always wanted to do since he is beyond belief and utterly unique. The adventures I have shared with him and my husband are way more exciting than any book I have ever read but he wouldn’t let me before so I have kept my promise ….. but now I can tell the world ….. awesome or what !)
As I have been following you on Twitter, I know that you recently started making your own book trailers for your books. You also compose the music. Do you have a musical background?
Yes and that’s why I was kind-of corralled into a musical career. Started piano lessons at the age of 3 and taught for a while later on. Studied Piano, Cello and unlikely as it sounds Opera Singing at College but also played trombone in a Silver Band, Church Organ and guitar, and zither in Folk Group. Used to write a lot of music and wrote a Musical about ‘Nancy Astor’ with a drummer friend.
I read on your bio that you like to set yourself a number of challenges each year. I believe you started doing this from the age of 12. Was there a reason for this, and have you managed to accomplish all your challenges?
Yes. I wanted to see what this person called ‘me’ could do. It seems logical that without trying everything I can’t possibly know what I could be good or not good at. There have been some surprises and some shocks! My best friend did it for a while too but she emigrated. I haven’t ploughed a whole field yet, seen the Aurora or been in the Arctic Circle though I have had opportunities to do them (one with marines expedition years ago). Strangely no matter how weird they are, the opportunities always turn up … it’s for me to accept or not. Mostly I accept. My mum made me say ‘Yes’ to everything more or less.
What are your outstanding challenges for this year, and do you think you'll accomplish them?
I’ve done 5...well 6 really and halfway to finishing 7 but added 3 more then lost one because I can’t get to Book festival this year. The Orrery is tricky but invariably expert advice will turn up from somewhere if I need it. My website is
Felicity Lennie
I recently nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award, and part of that included that you had to reveal 7 things about yourself. I must admit a couple of your revelations have made me curious. You state that a famous pirate and an inventor are your ancestors. Who are they?
I cannot say but if you had a mind, you might work it out. The clues are all there. I can tell you the pirate was extremely smart and the inventor was extremely smart too. I could tell you lots of interesting stuff but I won’t. I love secrets and I know quite a few.
Compared to my husband’s family tree, mine is quite ordinary. His father told me of his extraordinary pedigree but I thought he was joking at the time. It seems not and you could write a ton of books about them. I can tell you an interesting story about them and the Battle of Culloden but I won’t. I like secrets.
LOL. Now I'm even more curious!!
You also stated in the 7 things you revealed that you once had a million hits in 6 months on a website you created. What type of website was it, and are there any tips you can share with us about how you promoted it?
Amateur Rocketry and I worked hard on it sometimes through the night but then I was often in pain and it took my mind off things. It was all-singing … all dancing ….. colourful and I kept it up-to-date and constantly changing. I created crosswords… puzzles… online Treasure Hunts …. Logic Problems …. Still have a lot of them. Doing a crossword puzzle in the shape of a rocket was my pinnacle I think though all the Treasure Hunts were pretty cool. I was learning web-mastering at the time and had been at it a couple of years. One thing I learnt quickly was that being flash didn’t pay off- that it wasn’t about showing off my web skills but about showing off the club’s rocketry skills. I certainly put the area on the map around the world for a couple of years and got feedback from the most extraordinary places. We fascinated people. One thing I learnt was that people liked an easy-to navigate website.
You have varied interests, as well as writing and music, including astronomy and seismology. It seems to me that you are the type of person who is always looking for the next challenge. What keeps you motivated?
Death.
Life is a gift. Don’t waste time! My mother grabbed Life by the throat and squeezed every last second out of it. I would not be her daughter if I did not do the same. When you are dead you can’t do stuff so do it now.
You have two interesting blogs, as well as your fel-osophy blog: Castaway Astronomer and Castaway Author. They are great. I answered the questions on the Castaway Author one, and it was fun to do! How did you come up with the idea for those?
As a toddler I told my parents I intended to live on a deserted island with my large number of imaginary friends. In some ways like the ‘Simon and Garfunkle’ song I have lived my life on that imaginary island without anyone noticing. I thought being creative others might feel the same way as me. My husband thought Astronomers would appreciate dark island skies too so hence the blogs. We are highly competitive with each other my husband and I.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think you've answered the Castaway Author questions, so I'll ask you a couple of them here:
Which of your own characters would you choose to be shipwrecked with and why?
All the dogs in ‘Edison Landrake ‘ , the dying house in ‘Backwater’ and Gilbert’s Pagani Zonda since no-one would care that I haven’t passed my test so I could drive round the island in it………………..FAST!!!
Which one of your books would you nominate for the library and what do you think it would contribute to future readers who might get shipwrecked there?
The one I’m about to write about my real best friend…. That will make toes curl and your heart skip a few beats !!!!
Do you have a favourite author?
No. I have favourite books but Far from the Madding Crowd is a favourite (read 18 times) and ‘Jude The Obscure’ is my least favourite (same author) This goes for Charles Kingsley… a favourite and one I don’t’ like by the same author. I judge each book individually. Love Icelandic Sagas and Anglo-Saxon Chronicles though.
Do you prefer print books or ebooks?
Have to enlarge the print ridiculously to be able to read any length so can’t read books anymore- eyesight problems.
Do you have any advice for anyone who is thinking of self-publishing a book?
Only Miss Crute’s …
‘If you haven’t hooked your reader by the end of the first sentence, don’t bother writing anymore.
‘Don’t’ be satisfied with less than 100% your best effort. The book will be how you are judged as a person too so be sure that it stands for the best you can possibly be.
Give your characters a hook to hang their hat on .
From following you on Twitter, I know you are big fan of musicals. Do you have a favourite musical? And if you could star in a musical which character would you like to play and why?
Crikey …. An old lady who said she could read fortunes told me once I would end up on Broadway. Overheard by family, it has been a thorn in my side ever since.
As a child I wanted to be Cyd Charisse which is kind of nice ‘cos my husband is her biggest fan and painted her on the side of his biggest Rocket. I’d love to do that ‘Bandwagon’ final number hot sexy or what …..that dress… wow!
Most like me of course would be ‘The Unsinkable Molly Brown’ … I could give that some ‘wellie’.
Thank you, Felicity!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I told you she was a fascinating lady, didn't I?
Check out Felicity's novels here: http://www.felicity-lennie.com/
Now, I know you're eager to find out what you can win! Felicity has offered to write a short story on any topic for the winner of this contest. The winner gets to choose what the story is about. A personal short story, written for YOU by the extraordinarily talented Felicity Lennie!
To enter, please leave a comment below stating what you would choose as the topic for the short story. A winner will be chosen on 30th July 2012!
Good luck!
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Danger is a great choice of topic, and having read Libra Liberati, I know Felicity is good at writing about that!! LOL.Sorry for clogging up your to-read list again, Darcia... I am also wondering how I'm ever going to get around to reading all of Felicity's books! She has 14 already and she's writing another one!!
Thanks for entering the contest! Good luck :)
It is a very cool prize, and I'm jealous that I can't enter!
I just love reading your answers to questions, Fel! The words that tumble out of your mind always, always tickle my fancy, engage my mind, and affirm my high esteem for you. Not just as an author (have read,loved and reviewed most of your books!), or as a creative soul. Mostly, it is the verve, the passion, the spirit with which you choose to live your life, as packed full of adventure as you can fit in!As for a short story topic (if I win the prize!), I cannot ask one of you. I can only ask that you freely write what pops in that mind of yours. You have graciously shared with us via Twitter, the writing experience of those last two books. The topic that comes from you for me would be one that I will love, enjoy and quite possibly, need.
Thanks for your lovely comment, Doreen. I know what a big fan you are! Interesting that you are leaving the story topic up to Felicity if you win... Well, I suppose she knows you quite well and so would be able to think up something just right for you! :)Good luck!
Maria,I was very impressed with your very entertaining and thorough interview of my favorite author/pen pal friend creative person extraordinaire, Felicity Lennie, and I am a very big fan of her books.
I would love it if Felicity could write a short story about me, Joanna, being wrongly accused of committing murder with an antique that had just been stolen from a posh antique store.
Thank you,
Joanna Lee Doster
Definitely fascinating. Felicity is clearly very busy. How she gets it all done is beyond me!
Oh dear, I really shouldn't enter these things - that's not to say I don't want to win. :) I love the musicals. Is anyone watching Smash on TV - it's quite good and I love the music.
Joanna wrote: "Maria,I was very impressed with your very entertaining and thorough interview of my favorite author/pen pal friend creative person extraordinaire, Felicity Lennie, and I am a very big fan of her ..."
Hi Joanna, I love the idea of your short story LOL. Good luck! :)
Helen wrote: "Definitely fascinating. Felicity is clearly very busy. How she gets it all done is beyond me!"I know, she never stops!! :)
Helen, would you like to pick a topic and enter the contest?
Julie wrote: "Oh dear, I really shouldn't enter these things - that's not to say I don't want to win. :) I love the musicals. Is anyone watching Smash on TV - it's quite good and I love the music."Never heard of Smash... I don't watch much TV these days. What would you choose as a topic for your short story if you were to win, Julie? Perhaps a story based on Smash? That's if Felicity watches it...??? :) If not, maybe just a story where Julie is a character in a musical?
Maria wrote: "Julie wrote: "Oh dear, I really shouldn't enter these things - that's not to say I don't want to win. :) I love the musicals. Is anyone watching Smash on TV - it's quite good and I love the music..."It's got to be 'rags to riches' - beating all the odds and seeing my books in every book shop and...well, we all know how we want it to end! :)
Thanks, Hattie, I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. So, what topic would you choose for a short story if you were to win the prize?
Thanks to everyone who entered this contest. I will now consult with Felicity and let her choose a winner! If you've won, you'll be hearing from one of us soon! :)
Felicity, you make me feel like a lazy slug! You have such a wonderfully positive attitude. I love how your approach to life.
The personalized story is a cool idea. As for the topic, that's a hard thing to dictate to another writer, especially one whose work I've yet to sample. My writing mind always goes to dark and/or warped places. Maybe a broad topic, like danger.