Lola interviews… Lola

This is where I get to interview myself! Yippee!

Okay, I was born in London. Because I am not a genius child, it was a few years later that I completed a BSC Degree in Psychology at The University of East London and then went on to complete a Masters in Psychotherapy and Counseling at Regents College. I currently work for the NHS as a counsellor in North West London.

My passion for writing began around aged ten, crafting my own weekly series of stories written in the solitude of a top floor bedroom (i.e., I had no mates!). And it was after completing a really long research thesis for the MA that I realised I could actually write more than a thousand words.

By The Time You Read This was my first novel. Then I wrote a self help Quick Read called Reaching For The Stars then I wrote another novel called While You Were Dreaming meaning I have THREE books in UK bookshops! (Can I take a breath now?)

Deep breath.

Okay, I’ll start the interview now…

What’s your favorite animal and why?

An elephant. They don’t forget and they are probably one of the only animals that don’t jump and their baby’s are cute and … need I go on? They are absolutely wonderful creatures.

Describe your writing style in one sentence

Long-winded but to the point.

Describe your typical writing day

On weekends and days off from The Day Job, I’m not happy unless I’ve done at least four hours of writing work a day. My head gets all mushy and my eyes become all blurry by about hour five though…

I also get through Cola, jugs of water (but mostly Cola) and lots of nail biting (disgusting habit, I know!).

Reality TV or a good documentary?

Both. But I do enjoy a bit of reality TV though (sorry!). And just to get rid of any remaining shots of credibility, there exists documented proof of just how many hours I’ve clocked up over the years. Just read Does Cockshutt Beat Sandy Balls? And Other Important Contests in the Search for the Best of Everything (Random House Books). I’m on page 74! Really, I am.
I luv watching Housewives of Atlanta and Millionaire Matchmaker GREAT SHOWS!

A word of advice for any budding authors?

Can’t remember where I heard this, but it sums it up: ‘Success is 1% motivation and 99% perspiration.’

Come on, we want more than that…

Okay, the lovely Will Smith once said something in an interview in 2004; ‘don’t let your successes go to your head, don’t let your failures go to your heart’. Says it all really.

More!

Okay. Read my book; Reaching for the Stars – How to make your Dreams Come True. I promise you, it’s all in there!

What's your favorite food?

I don’t have many. Just Dairy ice cream, Mini Eggs, Nanny’s cup cakes , white asparagus, Tabouleh (with all the trimmings), Toffee and Vanilla Milkshake from Lucky Seven Diner, Mum’s shaki and oxtail in fresh obe atta, Milk chocolate money, Marabou chocolate, chocolate brownies made with Valrhona chocolate and New York style cheesecake.

...And your favourite books?

So many books so little time (click here to find out what they are....)

Any weaknesses?

Handbags. Any size. Any colour. Any where.

What irritates you?

The person in front of you in the supermarket queue buying a lone Swede.

Was it easy to get a publishing deal?

I think you need to read my first Blog. I started it around 2002 and it basically documents my insane journey to publishing deal. The angst, the fears and then the joy…

And the best thing about being a soon to be published author is…?

Readers telling you the book made them laugh and cry. Or actually reading the book in the first place. I still can’t believe people actually read my books.

© Lola Jaye