Farming dynamo delights readers
ILOVED THIS lighthearted, witty and entertaining read from Danielle Hawkins. In her latest book, Two Shakes of a Lamb’s Tail, Hawkins takes readers through a year in her life — a life as a vet, wife, mother, farmer, friend and in-law. Written in diary form it reflects that farming is not what some people might think. Mostly it’s hard work and challenging, however there are also moments of simple pure delights that come from life in the country.
It is one of those books that you start thinking about in anticipation when you know you will have time to pick it up.
I asked Hawkins some questions.
How did your family feel about featuring in Two Shakes of a Lamb’s Tail?
Surprisingly happy! Jarrod (he’s James in the book) actually read it to the end — he’s never managed that with anything else I’ve written. Katherine (Ellie) thinks it’s cool to be in a book, but Blair (Blake) feels I should write a sequel focusing more on his good looks and rugby prowess and less on the funny things he says.
What sort of feedback have they had, if any?
A lovely reporter who visited to interview me wrung Jarrod’s hand at the door and said she felt she knew him already, which amused him.
How does it feel when you walk into a book shop and see your book?
It feels good — it’s a very pleasant little ego boost. Of course, there’s a corresponding ego slump when I walk into bookshops and don’t see my book. It’s generally better for my mental health to avoid bookshops when I have a new book out — then I’m neither smug nor crushed.
Do you have any little rituals around your writing?
No interesting ones. I just sit on the couch and drink coffee.
What tips would you give parents to get their children interested in picking up a book rather than a device?
1. Realise that 97% of children will pick up the device, if there’s one handy. Do not feel that you have failed to set a good example and that this confirms you are a useless parent.
2. Remove the device (if you are feeling strong and can bear the grizzling).
3. Read them really cool books before bed, so reading is a treat.
4. Don’t make too big a deal of it. I hate people trying to improve me, and I’m sure children hate it too!
What would be your top tips for aspiring writers?
1. Sit down and write something.
2. Do not fall into despair when you read it and it sucks. This is a good sign. (It’s generally less of a good sign if you read your first draft and are convinced it’s fabulous.)
3. Keep writing.
4. Do not read writing tips as a form of procrastination — reading about writing doesn’t actually count as writing.
What’s the best thing about writing books? Ending up with a completed book, and realising you’ve actually made something — a whole thing, from scratch. It’s such a nice feeling of accomplishment.
And the worst?
All the times when you sit down to write and you can’t think of anything useful to say, so you just write something in the hope that it will look better on the computer screen than in your head. And it doesn’t.
What’s next on the writing agenda?
I’m writing a totally made-up story about a princess who lives in a very remote bit of swamp, and I’m feeling doubtful about it. I think I always feel doubtful at this stage, but I can’t remember if I’m more doubtful than usual.