Tomorrow it’s publication day for Pregnant In A Pandemic and I’m delighted to welcome the author to Portable Magic! I’m sharing my Q&A with the author with thanks Joanna Philpot for answering my questions!

Have you always wanted to write?

Writing has never been a life long ambition per se, but it’s always niggled at the back of my mind. When I was a child I used to get wads of paper and fold them in half, staple them together and write my own books. Then when I was at uni, my lecturer joked that one day he’d read one of my books and it always stuck. Never did I imagine I’d write anything that would be published nor write this particular book, it was a very organic process that began with me writing a diary and that slowly became a book.

What was your inspiration for Pregnant In A Pandemic?

My inspiration was the pandemic and how unusual life was for everybody at that time. I became pregnant just before the pandemic was announced and as soon as it hit, everything changed. I turned my loneliness and anxiety (of being pregnant when we had to avoid everybody and everything) in to writing and decided one day, the little one I was carrying, might want to read my diary about being pregnant with them in a pandemic. So my inspiration was the baby and the pandemic. I wanted a written account of the unprecedented situation for myself, the baby and anybody else who wanted to read it. 

What does your writing process look like?

 My writing process was… messy. If I was out and about and a thought came to me, I’d write it on the notes section of my phone. If at home, I’d jot it in my journal I’d began. After the notes and bullet points started to grow and the baby was born, I decided to type it up. I was home schooling at the time so the laptop was constantly on. I’d grab 5 minutes here and there and type up my notes in to a word document. It was scrambled and messy and I’d just write when I could. 

Who are your favourite writers?

My favourite writers are my friends with the biggest talents and imaginations that I wish more of the world could see. Catherine Prutton is an incredible poet whose way with words hit every single feeling every single time. Then there’s Anna Carter. She writes about motherhood in the most beautiful and relatable way. Michéle Beck is an outstanding poet, activist, beautifully kind and warm spirit and her way with words are stunning. She teaches Writing for Wellness and her work and workshops are incredible. 

If you could invite three people, alive or dead, to a dinner party, who would they be and why?

 I would invite my Nan. Honestly she was the most amazing lady ever and I miss her loads. Stevie Nicks because Fleetwood Mac are always on in our house and her voice is wonderful. Finally Steve Carell because I think he’s absolutely hilarious and he has aged like a fine wine and possibly my not so secret guilty crush. 

Who would you least like to be stuck in a lift with and why?

 I would not like to be stuck in a lift with a nail biter or a loud chewer. With nowhere to escape that would be pretty intolerable. 

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Most of my spare time is consumed by my wonderful three children, but when I do get a minute I like to sew. Sewing was for business and pleasure not so long ago but it’s just pleasure now as life is a little busier. 

What is next for you?

I have no idea what’s next, I’m very much a day at a time kind of gal. But let’s pretend my book sells millions of copies and I celebrate with a trip to the Maldives. 

Favourites:

Book: My favourite book is currently my kids favourite one as the reaction it creates from them his hilarious. It is ‘The Book With No Pictures’ by BJ Novak. It’s very funny. 

Film: My Girl. Always has been, always will be. 

Band/Singer: Fleetwood Mac

TV Show: Gilmore Girls

Colour: I have lots of favourite colours depending on my mood, the day, what the colour is. If I had to say one, probably green. Or maybe mustard. Okay that’s two. Sorry. 

Place: The beach. I’m not fussy which one. Being at a beach is my favourite thing and it brings me so much joy. 

Biscuit: A choccy Digestive

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Pregnant In A Pandemic is available from Olympia Publishers.