I asked Katie what she did when she's not writing.
When I’m not writing (or blogging/tweeting etc) I love to get out of the house. I spend so much time in my flat (often I go all day without leaving at all!) that it’s great to go out, leave my laptop behind and re-engage with the world outside.
If the weather’s nice, there’s nothing like a long walk in the countryside, with fresh air and sunshine and birdsong, to clear your head and lift your spirits. Two things I miss since moving to Cambridge are hills (Cambridge is pretty much completely flat) and the sea (it’s a two-hour drive to the nearest coast) but when I go back to Sussex (where SOMEONE ELSE’S LIFE is set) I delight in walking on the South Downs, with its gorgeous coastal views. My mum and I share the same passion for the sea, and love to go down to the beach to watch the waves fling themselves at the shore, then we roll up our trousers to go and paddle in the shallows – even in the middle of winter! Nothing makes me feel more awake – or more alive!
I love to travel, see new places, try new things – even if it’s just for a day out. There’s so much to discover in the world, and nowhere near enough time to see everything, so I relish the new discoveries I can make.
When I’m back home with my family, all of us – from my three-year-old niece to my ninety-three-year-old granddad love to play mini-golf, so we can often be found crowded round the green or crazy golf course desperately trying to put balls into impossible holes! And laughing. A lot. Any time spent with my family – especially my little niece – is an absolute joy. She has her own unique view of the world – and it’s completely hysterical!
Acting is my other passion. I trained as an actress after university and have performed in national Shakespeare tours (Juliet, Viola) and in a couple of independent films, and I love to take on new characters, as I do when I write, losing myself in someone else’s world. It’s the closest I can get to trying on other peoples’ lives, if only for a little while, and I think it can be quite magical.
If the weather’s horrid (or even if it isn’t) I just love going to the movies. There’s just something so special and timeless about sitting in those velvet chairs in front of the big screen, buzzing with anticipation – and I always make sure I get there in time for the trailers – sometimes they’re the best bit!
Finally, I love snuggling down in bed with a good book. There’s nothing like reading – for pleasure, for romance, for education or thrills, books have got it all.
Perhaps that’s why I choose to write them.
That's so neat the you also trained in acting! And I agree about the trailers sometimes being the best bit..I absolutely CANNOT miss them! Thanks for sharing with us, Katie!
Great post. I also like to read in bed, even though I find it a bit hard to sleep afterwards.
ReplyDeleteI'm dying to read Someone Else's Life. I'm always up for an emotional read.