Author Annie Seaton reveals the beloved childhood character she was named after

Earlier this week, we published a review by Karen Jones of Whitsunday Dawn, an eco-adventure by much-admired Australian author Annie Seaton who kindly shared a little about herself with Starts at 60.

Who is Annie Seaton?

Annie Seaton loves to be by the sea, or in the outback watching the sunset with her camera in hand. When she is not writing or taking photographs, she has three beautiful grandchildren, a huge dog called Toby and a gorgeous ragdoll cat to keep her occupied. Not to mention a husband who loves to travel too.

What was your favourite book as a child and why?

Anne of Green Gables by L.M Montgomery. I was named after Anne, and to this day (after many re-reads) I still refer to people as kindred spirits, and still wish I had red hair like Anne! I still have my mother’s original copy from 1937!

What book made the most lasting impression on you?

Two books tie for this honour. Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy is one I have at the top of my list. His ability to evoke an emotional reaction from the reader is superb. Being a history buff, Katherine, by Anya Seton the story of John of Gaunt and Katherine Swynford, is my favourite historical. Her depiction of medieval society is wonderful

Is there a book you think “I wish I had written that”?

The Harry Potter series. J.K. Rowling’s imagination is wonderful!

What are you currently reading?

An advance copy of Joanne Nell’s The Single Ladies of the Jacaranda Retirement Village. It is advertised as a moving, funny, heart-warming tale of love and community and I am really enjoying it. How often do you have an eighty-something heroine?

What are you writing at present?

I am writing the fourth short book in my Bondi Beach Love romance series called Sorry We’re Closed, and I am researching my next single title, set in Brisbane in the nineteenth century and contemporary times, while I wait for the edits for my 2019 book, Shadows of Undara to arrive from the publisher.

Are you a planner or do your books form organically?

I am a purely organic writer. I don’t know what is going to happen until my characters do it! Losing myself in their minds and personalities is the best part of writing for me.

What was your first job?

I was a librarian, of course. There is still nothing that beats a library or a bookshop visit.

When I’m not writing I’m…?

Taking photographs, walking on the beach with my dog, or in my garden.

What is the most outrageous/bravest/silliest thing you have done in your life?

I have a fear of heights and I’m not really fussed on flying, so taking a helicopter training flight to research Kakadu Sunset, where my heroine was a helicopter pilot is up there as one of the bravest things I’ve done!

What brings you joy?

Family, family and family.

Is there a book you keep re-reading; something that never gets old for you or where you still find nuances?

Back to the third question Katherine by Anya Seton. The love and the emotion in that story is timeless.

Is there a character you really identify with, either in one of your books or indeed another author’s work?

I love writing strong female characters and Indigo in my first published e-book, Winter of the Passion Flower has a strength to aspire to.

As a senior treasure – what is your secret to enjoying ageing?

Enjoying the now, and not worrying about the past and the future. Living in the moment and taking the opportunity to do the things that I love (especially writing) every day, and spending time with family and friends. One of the big pluses for me is spending more time with my best friend and husband of forty-three years. As Anne of Green Gables would say… we are kindred spirits.