My video author interview for ‘Gardening in the Dark’
ByThose of you who have followed the blog for a while probably know that last year, my first novel ‘Gardening in the Dark’ was published with Chipmunka. I’ve been lucky enough to be interviewed by Michelle Vandepas of Talking Books TV, and I thought I’d share it with you here. As soon as I work out how to embed the code…
It was a funny feeling publishing the book, and coming ‘out’ as having Bipolar Disorder. For a few years I kept that side of my life very private, first of all thinking that I was simply a bit nutty, and then dealing with the perceived shame of having a ‘mental’ illness. Nowadays I’m much more accepting of both my past and my present, and yet I still need to take a big deep breath and be brave when it comes to sharing such personal details about my life with the big wide world. When ‘Gardening’ was first published, people asked me how much of it was based upon my real life experience, and I think I’ve given a few variations of answer, depending upon how courageous I felt at the time.
Since publication, I set up a Bipolar support group in York, and work with people to beat the stigma of mental illness. I’m still aware of how mental disorders are seen by the majority of people, and I still battle with my own perceptions about it too, so I completely understand if people feel uncomfortable with the whole thing. The one thing I have really noticed since being vocal about having a mental illness if how amazing the people around me are, when it comes to accepting me just as I am.
I’ll never quite come to terms with the kindness, patience, tolerance and acceptance of the people I am blessed enough to spend my time with. From employers to friends to family, I feel cocooned in a warm and kind space where those people that know me accept me exactly as I am, ups, downs and all.
So, while I’m at it, thank you for being so amazing to me when it came to me speaking out about Bipolar. Weirdly, in some ways the way people have accepted me with the condition has actively supported me to find my own acceptance of it.
Thanks to the inspirational Michelle Vandepas for giving me this amazing opportunity, and spreading the word about the book.
Jen x
Amazing interview, I had to watch it twice. Wow, that’s my little girl talking to talking books woo hoo !!!! I am so proud of you.
Great article as well. Lots of love XXX
What a beautiful comment – thank you so much! Love you too, very much indeed x
Jen @ Blog writer´s last blog ..My video author interview for ‘Gardening in the Dark’
Well done Jen! An amazing book and an amazing interview. Very proud of you!
xxx
Thank you Kev! I have to admit the cover picture is pretty awesome – obviously done by someone very talented indeed
x
Jen @ Blog writer´s last blog ..My video author interview for ‘Gardening in the Dark’
What a brave lady talking like that – an inspiration – now waiting for your next novel
Hi Jon – great to hear from you! Thank you very much. Next novel due out very soon…watch this space! Jen
Jen @ Blog writer´s last blog ..My video author interview for ‘Gardening in the Dark’
Well we all know you can write, so it’s great to see the multimedia side of you. I pressed play not thinking much at all, but it was engaging. You we’re confident, authoritative and, most importantly, comfortable. Video conferencing isn’t great at the best of times, but throw in some pressure and an awkward time difference and it makes it all the more challenging. You did great! And the book is on my Christmas list
)
Hi Gav,
Thank you so much! I felt really shy being interviewed but it’s lovely being given the chance to speak out about the book. But it and I’ll sign it when I’m next down your way
x
Jen @ Blog writer´s last blog ..My video author interview for ‘Gardening in the Dark’
Well done! You are such a brave and lovely lady and its uplifting to hear you talk so confidently about a taboo subject like mental illness. I am certain that you will be an inspiration to lots of people who are in the same situation as you are. One part of the interview that I was particularly impressed with was how you explained how you “use” the swings to be creative instead of wallowing in self pity – well done and I feel so privileged to have met you and happy to have our little exchanges! Loadsa love Mo x
Hi lovely Mo,
Thank you so much for yoru kind words. It’s lovely having you here to comment! I don’t have any right to feel self pity – sometimes I think I could well be the most blessed person in the world
Hope you’ve got lovely snow your way and all is well!
Jen x
Jen @ Blog writer´s last blog ..My video author interview for ‘Gardening in the Dark’
Jen, you are a star! I love your novels, your writing, and your attitude. You deserve all recognition and success. I truly wish you well, and congratulate you on your sincerity in discussing bi-polar. Paula x
Hey Paula,
Lovely to get your comment here – thank you! Really glad you like the writing – looking forward to seeing you on the shelf very soon too x
Jen @ Blog writer´s last blog ..My video author interview for ‘Gardening in the Dark’
Interviews – yet another string to add to your list of talents. Well done Jen. A sensitive topic explained clearly with insight and understanding. I agree with all the other comments – brave, confident, inspirational and so at ease. Wow!
Jan you are an angel – thank you for your lovely words
x
Jen @ Blog writer´s last blog ..My video author interview for ‘Gardening in the Dark’
I bought Gardening in the Dark and couldn’t put it down. I think it is the most moving, distressing, courageous, uplifting and inspiring book. I’m so glad that you wrote it. I think you are an amazing, brave and beautiful lady and a brilliant writer. Thank you.
A x
Hi Ana,
Wow – thank you so much for your lovely comment. I don’t feel as if I deserve that praise at all, but I’m over the moon you like the book, and really appreciated your comment. Thank you very much!
Jen x
Jen @ Blog writer´s last blog ..My video author interview for ‘Gardening in the Dark’