Interview With Author Barbara Randell
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a very senior woman just coming up to my 80th birthday. I have been writing stories since I was a child, and have won prizes for them, in both Primary and High Schools. I grew up on a farm, and spent 9 years in a one-room, one-teacher school. I was in Australia, so was surrounded by kangaroos, emus, koalas, kookaburras, and other native animals, as well as cows, horses, pigs, dogs and cats on the farm.
I spent 4 years in a boarding school far away from the farm, and was very homesick. I think that is why I have such strong memories, which I included in my memoir, the Redgens of Redford.
I studied at University, then taught for many years. At the same time I married, and raised two daughters, and now have one teenage grandson. In the last year, my husband of 53 years passed away, and again I have the time to indulge my hobby of story-telling. So far I have 11 books on Amazon. I also knit items for charity, and sing in a choir, which gives concerts in nursing homes for the aged.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is ‘Darcy’s Pride’, which is a retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. But it is set in my city of Adelaide in Australia, and in the current time. I believe Jane Austen was such a good observer and recorder of humanity, that her stories are transposable to any time and space.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t have a regular time to write, just when inspiration strikes!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, Agatha Christie
What are you working on now?
Another novella based on Jane Austen, but again set in Australia, and in modern days.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon KDP. I also use Draft2Digital, and face to face marketing. Hoping that awesomegang.com can help, too.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep trying, it certainly is not easy!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep writing!
What are you reading now?
Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will write until this body gives out on me.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Pride and Prejudice; Mansfield Park by Jane Austen.; Desiree by Anne-Marie Selinko
Author Websites and Profiles
Barbara Randell Amazon Profile
Barbara Randell’s Social Media Links