There is an awesome buzz in the Starts at 60 Book Club, and the literary world in general, about a new novel, The Last of the Bonegilla Girls by Victoria Purman, a story about new beginnings in a new country.
A member of our Start at 60 community, Doris Schmid, told us about her experiences of living at Bonegilla, which lead to numerous reminiscences from others who have links to Bonegilla. Now, we have the change to get to know author Victoria Purman a little better, thanks to an exclusive interview with her just for Starts at 60‘s community.
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Who is Victoria Purman?
I’m a South Australian novelist of thirteen books; a storyteller; a mum to three very tall sons; a wife; a daughter; guardian of a very disobedient but devoted apricot spoodle; a friend to so many wonderful people; an Amazon Kindle best-selling author; a Board member; a workshop presenter; a literary judge; a volunteer; a Vice President of Romance Writers of Australia; a wine lover and Haigh’s chocaholic.
What was your favourite book as a child and why?
As a ten year old, I was slightly obsessed with Nancy Drew and borrowed each and every one of the series from the library in the small Riverland town my family was living in at the time. I loved that she was a redhead (like me) and that she was smart and independent and got to solve mysteries. And she had two wonderful best friends, and a young man called Ned who was hovering around her, but she didn’t need a boyfriend! It was only a couple of years ago that I discovered “Carolyn Keene” was actually not one author but a series of authors using the pen name!
What book made the most lasting impression on you?
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Putting aside all the controversy about Go Set A Watchman, this book opened my eyes to injustice at a formative time in my early teenage years. My heart broke at the treatment of Tom Robinson.
Is there a book you think “I wish I had written that”?
The Harry Potter series for the royalties! Seriously though, I don’t often think that of books I love. If I’d written them, I wouldn’t have had the pure joy of opening the first page and reading until the end. One can never do that with a book you’ve written yourself – all you see are things you might have worded differently or you’re on the lookout for spelling errors!
What are you currently reading?
I always have a stack of books to read. I’m reading You Wish by fellow South Australian Lia Weston, Home Fires by Kamila Shamsie (who I heard speak at Adelaide Writers’ Week in February) and I’m highly anticipating the latest Nora Roberts, Shelter in Place. I absolutely love her romantic suspense novels.
What are you writing at present?
I’ve been pondering the next book for a while, a story about a small town, a woman running for Mayor, and the team of people who help her, and I’ve written about one hundred words of it so far. I need a few more between now and the deadline, that’s for sure!
Are you a planner or do your books form organically?
I’m what’s called a pantser – that is, I don’t plot out my books in any great detail before I begin. I always have the first scene pretty well imagined before I sit down to write, and a couple of turning points in the plot, but it’s only as the words begin to flow that the mystery and twists and turns of the plot will begin to appear – surprising even me. I love to write this way.
What was your first job?
My first part-time when I was in high school was ironing for the lady who lived next door, who was very ill with heart disease. My first full-time job was as a cadet journalist at the ABC in Adelaide as a television and radio reporter.
When I’m not writing I’m …………….?
Reading. Spending time with family and friends. And quilting. I’ve just finished a quilt for my middle son (made from second-hand Hawaiian shirts) and I’m collecting check shirts for a quilt for my oldest. I’m not very good, not a stickler for detail or precision, but I’m hoping I’ll improve, and that the boys will keep them for their children as a memento of me.
What is the most outrageous/bravest/silliest thing you have done in your life?
I would say having three kids! My sons are my pride and joy but it’s been busy and mealtimes in my house are more like bulk-catering!
What brings you joy?
A lovely sentence in a book. My dog’s head in my lap. A delicious glass of Clare Valley Riesling. The company of my wonderful friends. Looking out at my garden while I write.
Is there a book you keep re-reading; something that never gets old for you or where you still find nuances?
When I’m needing a bit of inspiration, or want to get my head out of the manuscript I’m working on that doesn’t seem to be working, I open a Nora Roberts book. She is a wonderful writer. Her Brides Quartet (Vision in White, Bed of Roses, Savor the Moment and Happily Ever After) is pure fun and romance. I also dip in and out of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice for the same reasons.
Is there a character you really identify with, either in one of your books or indeed another author’s work?
It’s said that when an author creates a character, it is one third you, one third someone you know and one third your imagination. So, yes, there is a little bit of me in all my characters.
Are you looking forward to ageing? Why/Why not?
I went to a friend’s 50th birthday party a few years ago and jokingly commiserated with her on reaching that milestone (this was before I turned fifty myself, I might add!) and she turned to me and said, “The alternative to not turning fifty is far worse.” And I’ve never forgotten that. So yes, I am looking forward to getting older, to being an empty nester so my husband and I can travel again, to writing more, to having more time to read and spend precious time with the people I love. And my bucket list includes going back to New York to see a musical every night for a week, so I can’t wait for that to happen!
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I love Victoria’s bucket list item – a Broadway musical every night for a week – ah what bliss. I’m sure our crafty quilters relate to her desire to make quilts for each of her sons.
Thank you for taking time to speak to us Victoria and every best wish for the success your new novel deserves (#mybonegillastory).
On May 27,we are starting a discussion about The Last of the Bonegilla Girls on the Starts at 60 Book Club – we would love you to join us.
Karen xx