Author Interview | Introducing Josephine-Anne Griffiths

It’s time for another author interview here at Australasian Christian Writers. Today we’re chatting life, location, and writing with the lovely Josephine-Anne Griffiths.

Fast Five

Long black or flat white?

Usually a flat white, however, I do occasionally enjoy a mug of cappuccino, half-strength with a dash of caramel.

Kiwis or Koalas?

As cute as Kiwis can be, I would much rather cuddle a Koala … if it would allow me to.

Mangoes or kiwifruit?

Hmm, now here’s a tricky one. Growing up in New Zealand I do have fond memories of helping to peel these tiny fruits (also known as Chinese gooseberries) with my girlfriend next door, ) in preparation for her Mum to make jam. I believe we ate almost as many as we peeled. However, since coming to this land of golden opportunity, nothing tastes or smells quite like a ripe mango.

Books or TV?

Always books. Had you asked me ‘books or music’, then it would have been difficult to choose. I also like to listen to light classical music while I am writing.

Plotter or pantser?

I have unashamedly been pantsing my way through most things for much of my life. It is only in recent months that I have paid some attention to the necessity of being properly organised. I do try now, to plot carefully, design my characters, and follow the rules of story structure, however, that free-spirited pantser keeps sticking her nose in whether invited or not.

Getting to Know Josephine-Anne Griffiths

What’s something interesting or unusual about you that not everyone knows?

Ha, when I was a youngster, my mother was constantly racing around town trying to find the ‘indestructible straw hat’. I remember that a straw hat was considered a necessary item to keep the sun off of a young child’s head, especially one like myself who loved to spend most of her time outdoors. The problem was however, that I liked to stand on my head. Once I had perfected this skill, head-standing became preferable to being on my feet. Consequently, the local milliner couldn’t keep up production fast enough for my needs. I am still a little heavy-handed with my straw hats but do love to wear one when I am out and about.

Where are you from?

I am originally from New Zealand. My early childhood memories are of Christchurch, and then Wellington. My family moved to Australia when I was almost fourteen years of age, and now I am settled in Penrith New South Wales (at the base of the Blue Mountains) with my husband and little dog.

What is your town or city most famous (infamous) for?

Penrith was an Indigenous settlement. Prior to the arrival of the Europeans, the Penrith area was home to the Mulgoa tribe of the Darug people. They lived in makeshift huts called gunyahs, hunted native animals such as kangaroos, fished in the Nepean River, and gathered local fruits and vegetables such as yams. They lived under an elaborate system of Law which had its origins in the Dreamtime. Most of the Mulgoa were killed by smallpox (or galgala) shortly after the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788.

In more recent times, Penrith is home to the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, an excellent venue presenting the best in music, theatre and dance.

About Your Writing

What do you write?

I write inspirational, narrative non-fiction, fictional memoir, short stories, and have dabbled with the odd piece of poetry.

Who or what are your main writing influences?

I am influenced in my writing by God, the world around me, and life’s experiences. I deeply admire a member of Christian Writers Downunder, her voice is so similar to my own.

Do you have any books published?

I do have a piece of poetry published in an anthology called ‘Glimpses of Light’.

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing in some form for most of my life, as far back as I can remember. However, it has only been in the past two to three years that I have taken it more seriously.

What inspired you to start writing?

I have always had the desire to write, however, my first inspiration came from my older brother (now deceased), who lived and breathed to write. Charlie was a loner, with an enormous heart, who possessed an amazing talent. After Charlie passed away at the tender age of thirty-nine, I felt the urge to write … to write his story.

What’s your favourite part of the writing process?

Definitely brainstorming. Jotting down ideas as they come into my head, no matter how crazy they may seem. The hard part is sorting them out later on.

What’s your biggest writing challenge?

Ah, at last an easy question. For me it is procrastination. When I work from home, I will always find something that needs to be organised, arranged differently, or cleaned. So why do I procrastinate … you ask? Probably because I never feel that my writing is good enough.

How does your faith impact your writing?

I regard being able to write as a gift, given to me by my heavenly Father. Therefore, I try not to write anything that wouldn’t be pleasing to Him. I let His Holy Spirit guide my hand and my heart during the whole writing process. Often human pride gets in the way, but eventually I do a full circle and come back to His way of thinking.

Finally, where’s the best place to find you online?

I belong to a couple of Christian writers groups on Facebook:

Australasian Christian Writers and Christian Writers Downunder

You can also find me at my writing page on Facebook Josephine-Anne Writes

On my website: Josephine-Anne Writes

Or on Twitter: BooksTeaAndMe57