I interviewed Debby Gies about her memoirs written under the pen name D G Kaye, her book and travel blogs, and her work with online groups.

Debby, who is a prolific author and blogger, says about herself: ‘I’m a nonfiction memoir writer who writes about life, matters of the heart and women’s issues. My intent is to inspire others by sharing my stories about events I encountered, and the lessons that come along with them.

I love to laugh, and self-medicate with a daily dose of humor. When I’m not writing intimate memoirs, you’ll find me writing with humor in some of my other works and blog posts.’ Continue reading WRITING: THE WHOLE TRUTH →

In Part Two of her interview, innovative Welsh artist Penny Jones talks about collaborating with visually-impaired people for her ‘feeling voice’ exhibition, as well as working with the ‘Boatshed Artists’ and the group ‘Rhôd’.

In this section, the illustrations include some examples of Penny’s more recent work.

Leslie: Can you describe, please, the idea of your ‘feeling voice’ exhibition. Continue reading AN ARTIST’S JOURNEY, Part 2 →

I interviewed book and lifestyle blogger January Gray about her distinctive online reviews, her historical research and her use of meditation and chakras to deal with Graves’ Disease.

Leslie: Can you describe, please, your own approach to your book reviews and to your ‘Lipstick Zombie Beauty and Brains’ blog?

January: I think what makes my blog different from others is I review a large variety of genres. Continue reading BEAUTY, BRAINS AND BOOKS →

Librarian Zaberjad Iftikhar talks to Leslie Tate about her views on UK multi-culturalism. Zaberjad is a young, British-born woman, coming from a Pakistani family living in Burnley, Lancashire. As a librarian, she is widely read with a keen interest in culture, diversity and education. Zaberjad describes her younger self as, ‘split into multiple pieces so that I could fit in’ – but goes on to say how she’s come to feel, with age, ‘it’s OK to be different’.

Leslie: As a British woman with Pakistani parents (and possibly bi-cultural?), can you tell the story of the cultural stereotypes you’ve been subject to? Continue reading IT’S OK TO BE DIFFERENT →

In part two of her interview, artist and environmentalist Mandy Burton talks about what she’s learned from working with young people, her writing, and how she’s overcome personal setbacks.

Leslie: What have you learned from your work to engage young people?

Mandy: I do hope to connect with young people through my writing. Engaging young people through community art is tough, you have to please the funders, the managers and users of the venue where the work will be sited, and inspire and teach the group. All whilst keeping to deadlines and within budget. After moving South, I didn’t have the energy to establish myself as an artist here. Continue reading COMMUNITY ART, CARING FOR THE PLANET, Part 2 →

Mixed-media artist Mandy Burton specialises in working with environmental themes, using salvaged materials in her commissioned and personal work. I interviewed Mandy in two parts about her assemblage & installations, her creative work with young people, and her graphic story book for young children. Mandy, who was inspired by the early pioneers of Permaculture, has a passionate concern for sustainability and the environment.

In part one of the interview Mandy concentrates on her upbringing and community art projects.

Leslie: Can you tell the story, please, of how you became an environmental artist and what has gone into some of your most representative projects. Continue reading COMMUNITY ART, CARING FOR THE PLANET, Part 1 →

Watford rapper, columnist and dream interpreter, Stacy Hart, talks about music and dealing with personal loss/illness while continuing to help other people. Stacy, who has M.E., discusses how to stay conscious and respectful of life while keeping a sense of humour. As far as I’m concerned all life is worthy – Stacy Hart.

Leslie: Can you explain, please, the meaning of the following phrases you use on your website:

• ‘Running on Empty’ or ‘R.O.E.’
• ‘Eargasm’
• ‘White Feather Dreams’
• ‘Give Us This Day’
  Continue reading LOVING LIFE, ACTS OF MERCY AND RAPPING WITH M.E. →