Up Close and Personal with Charlotte L Taylor
Introduction
A big, warm welcome to Charlotte L. Taylor! Like all the authors joining in with our interviews, Charlotte was sent a selection of questions, not necessarily to do with the books she writes but more to get ‘up close and personal’. So, without further ado, here are the questions Charlotte chose to complete:
Childhood
What’s your favourite childhood memory?
Until I was 17, and during every summer holidays, my family and I would travel over to Hook Head in County Wexford, Ireland, where my lovely grandma lived. It still remains, to this day, my favourite place in the world. Back then, we had the freedom to disappear for the whole day with our friends, only coming home for meals and bedtime. We cycled everywhere, and the nearest shops were about three miles away. We spent our days exploring caves, playing in the sea and cycling around the south coast. Thinking back to those times still brings a smile to my heart.
Fantasy
If you were a mythical creature from folklore or fairytale, what would you be and why?
It would definitely have to be a forest faerie or a dryad because I spend most of my free time in the forest with my dogs. I’m forever seeking out fairy toadstools in the autumn, and I lose so much time immersing myself in nature all year round. I also have quite a playful nature, like faeries do, so I think I would be quite at home with them.
Work/Writing
Tell us about your writing environment. Is it indoors or in the great outdoors? What is on your desk, table, lap? Hot or cold drink, any snacks, views etc.?
I get all of my inspiration from the forest when I’m walking, but my writing environment consists of a little room at the back of my house ... it’s very snug! On my desk are my hard-drive, two screens, my keyboard, lots of crystals, toadstool toys and a toadstool plushie plus lots of crocheted gonks that my daughters have bought me. I also have several notebooks stacked up that are full of my to-do lists or my thoughts, and I have my trusty Hart’s Rules and New Oxford Dictionary. On my toadstool coaster is always a steaming cup of green tea or camomile tea, and, if I’m feeling a little peckish, I like a small bowl of honey-roasted cashew nuts. Quite often, there will be one of my two cats on my lap, and my two dogs are ALWAYS at my feet. My view is out towards the hill and forest behind me and my little side garden. In the spring, it is lovely because birds make their nests just outside my window.
Relaxation
As a booklover are you able to give us an estimate of how many books are on your TBR (to be read) pile?
I am very much a book dragon, which means that I hoard books like dragons hoard treasure! I can’t even begin to estimate how many books are waiting to be read by me ... several hundred, at least! I’m a sucker for a pretty cover, especially when it’s a fantasy book, and I recently started treating myself to a book from the Chiltern set of classics every time I visit Hay-on-Wye (one of my favourite towns, for obvious reasons!). Because my TBR pile was getting a little out of hand, I made a New Year’s resolution to allow myself time to read more, and I’ve nearly finished my second book of the year. So, hopefully, the books in my TBR pile won’t feel too left out for much longer!
Personal
What is something you cannot live without?
Aside from my husband and my three beautiful daughters, I can’t live without dogs in my life. I currently have two border collies that are absolutely bonkers, but they are such a blessing. They also mean that I make sure to venture out into the woods every day regardless of the weather. I’ve been very lucky over the years with the dogs I’ve had because they’ve all left their paw prints etched on my heart.
Extras
Is there anything else you would like readers to know about you?
I find it very hard to switch off and relax, which is why I’m being firm with myself this year and making sure that I have time for more reading. I am a complete worrywart, and I always give over and above because I like making people happy. I used to be a pretty good fencer in my teens, and I fenced for Herefordshire in competitions. I’m very much an introvert, so I enjoy pottering around the house rather than being the life and soul of the party. I absolutely love working with children, and I adore getting feedback from them about my books: it’s raw and honest, which is so appreciated. Just knowing that children are enjoying my work really makes all of it worth it. Thank you! I also love bees and used to own my own hive. It’s something that I’d like to get back to in the future when time allows.
Time for Bed Sleepyhead!
When it's time for the sun to go to bed, he's having too much fun. So, deciding to stay awake, he looks for others to play with. However, what he discovers instead makes him realise he might be better off going to sleep after all!
Social Media Links
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bumbleHQ
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/toadstool.tales
Website https://www.toadstooltales.com
Wild Wood Press www.wild-wood-press.com
Amazon for Books
www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Charlotte-L.-Taylor/author/B08KSD4XW3
Wow that has been really interesting. Thanks for joining us, Charlotte.
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