As the tour for A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother continues, I am thrilled to have Christie J Barlow on the blog today. Thank you to Christie for taking time out from her busy schedule to answer my questions. 

What inspired you to write the novel?

My inspiration for this book came from my four children who are all at various stages in their education. This is where I became fascinated into everyday politics and the dynamics of primary school playground mothers. My book is based purely on comedic scenarios of mothers that occur in everyday life and as such it’s meant that people reading the diary find it immersive and actually start believing these fictional characters are real when in fact it’s pure fiction, this just exemplifies my characters and style of writing.


How long did it take you from the idea stage to writing the actual novel?

The book took me 12 months to write from the initial ideal to the official launch. The second week of release my book hit the Amazon’s movers and shakers chart at number 11 but since it has reached #1 in the parent and family humour chart and became an Amazon bestseller. My Facebook page is very positive and Twitter followers have been lovely!

What has been the reaction from family and friends?
 
The reaction from my family and friends has been a very positive one. They loved the book from the outset and all encouraged me to follow my dream to write a book. My husband and four children are extremely proud of my dedication and hard work especially knowing that I turned my initial idea into reality and even more so when I achieved an Amazon #1 bestseller.


Do you have plans for another book?

Yes I have plans for another book, I am currently writing the sequel to A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother and hopefully this will be ready to be released in the spring of 2015.

Do you have any writing rituals?

I don’t have any writing rituals as such but I do find myself waking up in the middle of the night with all sorts of ideas whirling around in my head. I keep a notebook by the side of my bed and I write down everything I think of so I don’t forget by morning. I usually write for a couple of hours every afternoon as this is the time all my household jobs are complete and all my animals have been fed and walked.

Do you have any advice for budding writers?

My advice for budding authors would be to write a little everyday that way there will always be continuity. We all have self doubts when writing but keep going, believe in yourself. Make sure you read lots of different varieties of books and always find time to read. Just remember you can’t please all of the people all of the time and some people will not like what you have written. Remember not to feed their negativity a dignified silence is the best way, these people do not matter, surround yourself with positive people and those that believe in you and love your work. Remember it is better to create and be criticized than to create nothing and criticize others.


Tell us 2 of your favourite books.

My two favorite books

My first favourite book is ‘The Diary of Anne Frank.’ I had many books on my bookshelf as a child and was an avid reader. I was intrigued by this book – who was Kitty? Whilst reading this book as a child I was conscious I was nearly the same age as Anne yet I was living a very different life. Whilst Anne was afraid for her life, her constant fear of discovery, her conflicts with her mother I was amazed by her wisdom and her reflection.

My second favourite book is also from my childhood – This book is a classic and is the first book from the fabulous Enid Blyton in her Famous Five series – Five on a Treasure Island. This book has stayed with me from the age of seven where I can remember sitting on an old trunk in my bedroom and not moving till I had read it all. These books are absolute classics and every child should have the opportunity to read them, they are truly fantastic.

Thank you very much for taking time to interview me.

You can read my review for the book on the blog on 15th October!

BUY

Ever had the pleasure of collecting your children from the school playground? Even if you haven't this is a hilarious must read.

A month by month comical tale of a young mother fighting for her place in the world against the backdrop of the Playground Mafia.

As her life unfolds and she takes us through from one amusing anecdote to another the characters come to life. There is Penelope who has a lot more going on in her life than she bargained for and Mrs Noland who has a lot less than she claims, not to mention Rupert who is a VERY busy man. With Mrs High School Musical, The International Sex God and The Frisky Pensioner, the characters are undeniably fascinating and leave you compelled to read more.

Who knew that one false move in the playground, one step in the wrong direction or smile at the wrong person could lead to such complications?

The witty one liners and side splitting stories will keep you amused from beginning to end.

Lively and entertaining, a hilarious comedy that every playground mother can relate to.

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