What's the question?

Thanks to Julie Phillips who invited me to take part in this question and answer blog. I believe this originally came from Jane Wenham-Jones and then Lynne Hackles so I feel very privileged to be part of the blog question chain.  I like this sort of thing as it gets people to know a little bit more about me.  It's a nice way of finding out little bits of information that may not normally be published in a blog post. 


Q. Where were you born and where do you live at the moment?


I was born in Madeley, Shropshire. I loved it as a child. We had an old ruined court house, miles of woods and fields to play in and wonderful community spirit on the crescent where I lived.  I now live near to Ludlow on the edge of a small village, it's quite remote, we don't even have a phone box but that's how I love it.

Q. Have you always lived and worked in Britain or are you based elsewhere at present?

I have always lived and worked in Shropshire, I am a true Shropshire lass.



Q. Which is your favourite part of Britain?

Around the Lizzard in Cornwall is my favourite but I am drawn to all the Celtic areas of Britain.



Q. Have you ‘highlighted’ or ‘showcased’ any particular part of Britain in your books? For example, a town or city; a county, a monument or some well-known place or event?

My book 'Red Kite' is set around the South Shropshire hills, mainly the Titterstone Clee which is almost in my back garden! I loved doing the research for it as every time I walked up there, I could walk the footsteps of my main character, this made him very real to me.  



Q. There is an illusion – or myth if you wish – about British people that I would like you to discuss. Many see the ‘Brits’ as ‘stiff upper lip’. Is that correct?



Maybe during the war this was the case but I don’t believe it is today. Some people get on with it no matter what but others - well!!



Q. Tell us about one of your recent books

I have just self published my book ‘Red Kite’ It’s a teenage book about a boy who trying to cope with the death of his brother and is bullied at school. His only joy is that of birdwatching but he is prevented from even enjoying that.
I want to show that there is still a lot of young people who are really into nature and conservation.   



Q. What are you currently working on?



I am writing a series of younger children’s books in the 5-7 age group and also a non-fiction book for the same age about dinosaurs.  When I have those done I am hoping to write some more magazine articles.



Q. How do you spend your leisure time?



I have two horses and four chickens so they take up quite a bit of time. I love spending time out in the garden too. I am fascinated in the Pagan way of life and am studying Wicca at the moment. I love golf and am having lessons.  It was something my Dad was very good at.  I just got the urge to learn one day.  I have also just taken up playing the Ukulele but I am not very good.  When I am not doing any of those things I love writing!



Q. Do you write for a local audience or a global audience?



I hope to reach a global audience with my books but my magazine articles are usually focused on a local audience.

Q. Can you provide links to your work?

I have two other blogs and my page on Amazon

http://insidethechickencoop.blogspot.com/

http://thepaganapprentice.blogspot.com/


http://www.amazon.com/Diane-Perry/e/B00A9SUFPI/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0