There's some one I'd like you to meet
How are you doing on the first day of Winter? I thought it would be nice to introduce some of Feel Better Box's Aussie Suppliers so that you can love them as much as me. So i'd like to start by introducing Claire, she is the Author of 'Things My Mother Taught Me'. I love this book as I feel like it suits many a giftee, young or old. It is made up of well known Australians and their personal stories of what their own mothers taught them. Once you have read the first short story, you cannot help but turn to the next and then the next. Before you know it, three hours have passed and you've read the whole book! Incredibly enjoyable read that you wouldn't want to put down!
I asked Claire 6 questions so we can all get to know her.........
What is your name and where do you come from?
Claire Halliday - born in Adelaide (and still go back a couple of times a year) but now that I’ve been living in Melbourne for more than 26 years, I think I’m considered a real Victorian.
What did you do before becoming an Author?
I was in primary school when I knew I wanted to become a writer and after enjoying some wasted years and travel in my late teens and early 20s, I went to uni to study creative writing and screenwriting. From there, I started pitching feature articles to newspapers and magazines. Writing for various publications, as well as doing copywriting work, has been my main income for 20 years. Things My Mother Taught Me is my fourth non-fiction book and my next one, Things My Father Taught Me, is out in August, 2017.
What made you decide to write a book and/or how did it come about?
The idea for Things My Mother Taught Me came from a very personal place. I’m adopted and have always wrestled with the idea of nature versus nurture - wondering how much of me was born and how much was made by circumstance and environment. As a mother to four children of my own, I started thinking about the influence and impact I have on their lives and from there I thought it would be interesting to interview some well-known Australians to find out about their relationships with their mums.
Why do people choose your books/writing?
I have aspirations to write fiction one day soon but for now my books are non-fiction works of interviews with people talking about their lives. I just love stories - telling them and listening to them. It’s a privilege to have people share their thoughts and feelings and when you take the time to listen, you get to share in incredible stories of resilience and hope that are fascinating and inspiring.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’ve just finished Things My Father Taught Me, which features interviews with a diverse bunch of interesting Australians, including David Koch, Em Rusciano, Catriona Rowntree, George Calombaris, Father Bob Maguire, Tim Costello, Santo Cilauro, Normie Rowe, Ann Peacock and Anthony Callea. I have started on a novel but I’ve also got another non-fiction project underway too - all will be revealed in 2018!
What do you do that helps you feel better when you’re unwell?
I’m a lover of comfort food, combined with books and magazines - of course! Anything that’s hot and soothing is a good start for me…chicken soup, cups of tea, a soak in a bath with beautiful bubbles. Bliss! Reading is one of my favourite ways to relax and cheer up, so depending on how sick or down I’m feeling, that might be a hefty novel, or flipping through the pages of something lighter.
You can find 'Things My Mother Taught Me' in my Care Packages online HERE
