Welcome D. J. Blackmore to our blog today. We look forward to learning more about Deirdre.
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
For many years I have enjoyed a grass roots lifestyle. I have lived my research, which includes spinning, beekeeping, milking cows, making cheese and growing food. I am a simple living advocate, and the cottage industry—its slower pace—really resonates with me. You won’t find a dishwasher, microwave or TV here at home.
2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?
I really loved fairy tales. As a child, I spent one long summer in the West Country of England. The castles and cathedrals we visited were like sunshine and I was happily drenched in the warmth of that experience. It seemed like my stories at home had come to life in that one unforgettable season. As an eight year old growing up in a family with a love of books, it was a magical journey in so many ways, especially because it was the very first time I met my grandparents.
3. Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and to write?
Historical fiction, but wherever there is mystery, I’m captivated. I enjoy literary fiction, both to read as well as write, and my short story LINES FOR LUCA in the Rhiza Press anthology THE OPPOSITE OF DISAPPEARING, is my first published piece of literary fiction. However I also enjoy fiction that has a rural vibe, either contemporary or written in retrospect, and my first YA novel WISH ME GONE—newly released by Rhiza Press—is suspense in a rural setting.
At the moment I am waiting to share an historical YA short story called CITY OF BEES. I researched a Dutch finding of the oldest complete beehives in antiquity. Three thousand year old beehives have been discovered in the ancient Israelite City of Tel Rehov. Potsherd remains with the name of a prophet and another inscribed with the house of a king have been unearthed, so it’s a story to watch out for.
4. Did you have any favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?
I have enjoyed many of the English classics, more especially the darkness of the Brontes, the mysteries of Wilkie Collins, the pathos of Thomas Hardy and gothic stories of Ann Radcliffe.
On a current note, I am influenced by the following favourites: Harper Lee—To Kill a Mockingbird, Ordinary Grace—William Kent Krueger, Leif Enger—Peace Like a River and The Last Sin Eater—Francine Rivers. These are works which inspire me with my own writing, and my latest work is not only in the hope to entertain, but to stay with people, to make them think, and lift them beyond the ordinary.
5. When did you know you wanted to be an author?
I was captured by stories at ten and thought archaeology was my thing, but there’s too much work outside in the sun—think sunburn, blisters and freckles—and at fourteen I knew for sure that writing was what I wanted to do. In combining the magic of the past and possibility, with my love of words, storytelling is perfect.
6. How did you go about becoming an author?
I wrote, got rejected. Wrote some more and was rejected again. I had numerous poems that won competitions in HOMESPUN magazine—one of my quilts made the cover—and I never gave in. I kept writing and improving my craft, as I have done with everything else I have taught myself.
7. If you were not a writer what would you like to be?
Anything artistic really ignites me. I enjoy creating. Herbs and healing have always captivated me, too.
8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?
Spinning is a very enjoyable experience for me. I have been creating bespoke yarns at the wheel for almost thirty-five years. Singing is also cathartic and that’s also been one of my interests. I enjoy the water, and while I’m not a practised swimmer, once I’m in I find it difficult to want to wade to shore. There’s nothing more invigorating than walking in and experiencing nature.
9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?
I am a dual national and I would like to return to the land of my father’s birth. I want to return to Cornwall with my husband and spend our time between the two countries.
10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why?
In all honesty, I can’t think of any. They are all dead and what remains is the beauty of their inspiration. Jesus, I wait for, but everyone else just falls short. Saint Paul, Hippocrates—the father of medicine, and William Shakespeare would most certainly be interesting to meet. Authors inspire me, but it’s especially their work—their highest—that fascinates me. I’m shy, although most might not guess it, and experience anxiety, including in social situations.
WISH ME GONE
When hatred opens the homestead gates and the enemy is so close to home, do you fear the fall, or find courage to fly?
A heritage listed homestead is not the idyllic lifestyle they hoped for, as a family’s tree-change plummets them into their worst fears, and each of them learn that a hero is made, not born.
