Born and raised in Burnley, Alison Taft had dreamed of becoming a writer ever since reading Harriet the Spy by torchlight under the bedcovers, aged about eight. And since her debut novel was published by Caffeine Nights Publishing on September 5th this year, it's fair to say that dream came true. Described as 'chick noir at its funniest', Our father who art out there ... somewhere has been very well received and Alison has enjoyed a flurry of sell out book signings. So, with no further ado, over to you, Alison!
Tell me about your book
Our father who art out there … somewhere is the story of a nineteen year old student called Lily who goes searching for the father she’s never met. When she finds out he doesn’t want anything to do with her, Jo, her best friend, persuades her to take action. Together the two women track down Lily’s father and when they discover he has another daughter, they decide to teach him a lesson about how it feels to not know where your family is.
What was your motivation for writing it?
A few years ago I tried to contact my birth father and received the response that he had no wish to communicate with me. The story in the book is what would have happened had I had more courage (or perhaps less to lose).
It was very therapeutic to get my anger down on paper. I wanted to stick up for other people whose parents failed to show, to acknowledge that it really does matter.
What’s your favourite part of the creative process?
Those moments where you look up from the desk and realise you’ve completely lost track of time.
What aspects of marketing your book do you enjoy?
I like meeting other people with similar family backgrounds and hearing that my book has helped them (and made them laugh). I really enjoyed a radio interview I did recently. As a full time mother, the idea of someone asking me my opinion on anything is very seductive!
Our father who art out there … somewhere is the story of a nineteen year old student called Lily who goes searching for the father she’s never met. When she finds out he doesn’t want anything to do with her, Jo, her best friend, persuades her to take action. Together the two women track down Lily’s father and when they discover he has another daughter, they decide to teach him a lesson about how it feels to not know where your family is.
What was your motivation for writing it?
A few years ago I tried to contact my birth father and received the response that he had no wish to communicate with me. The story in the book is what would have happened had I had more courage (or perhaps less to lose).
It was very therapeutic to get my anger down on paper. I wanted to stick up for other people whose parents failed to show, to acknowledge that it really does matter.
What’s your favourite part of the creative process?
Those moments where you look up from the desk and realise you’ve completely lost track of time.
What aspects of marketing your book do you enjoy?
I like meeting other people with similar family backgrounds and hearing that my book has helped them (and made them laugh). I really enjoyed a radio interview I did recently. As a full time mother, the idea of someone asking me my opinion on anything is very seductive!
What makes you keep reading a book?
Great characters. If I become attached to a character, if I care about them like I care about my friends or family, then it’s a great book.
How can we keep up to date with your news?
I’ve a website (with a Facebook link).
Other than writing, do you have a claim to fame?
I was on Escape to the Country ... does that count?
What would your epitaph be?
Wait, I’m not finished yet ...
Great characters. If I become attached to a character, if I care about them like I care about my friends or family, then it’s a great book.
How can we keep up to date with your news?
I’ve a website (with a Facebook link).
Other than writing, do you have a claim to fame?
I was on Escape to the Country ... does that count?
What would your epitaph be?
Wait, I’m not finished yet ...
Thanks for a great Q&A, Alison.
You can buy Alison's book at Amazon in the UK and the US. It's also available from her publisher, Caffeine Nights, where you can both download sample chapters and listen to Alison on The John Gilmore Show on BBC Radio Lancashire.
You can buy Alison's book at Amazon in the UK and the US. It's also available from her publisher, Caffeine Nights, where you can both download sample chapters and listen to Alison on The John Gilmore Show on BBC Radio Lancashire.
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