What made you realise you are a writer?
I tinkered with writing for years but it wasn’t until 2008 that I decided to take it seriously. The truth is that I don’t think I’ll ever feel like a proper writer – I keep thinking someone will find out I’m not really very good at it.
Which book are you currently reading, and who are your greatest influences?
I love to read and have just finished Crossing The Line by Gillian Philips – a fabulous, roller-coaster of a story about a boy unwillingly involved in a stabbing at school. I’ve also read Dogs Don’t Do Ballet, a very funny picture book about – erm – a dog who does ballet.
What achievement in your life are you most proud of?
See, this is a tough question because there are a lot of things I’m proud of – my gorgeous daughter, for example, and completing a 10k run (I am the world’s worst runner). I also get an enormous buzz from performing on stage but my proudest moment was at the launch party for My So-Called Afterlife, when I realised people were actually going to be reading the book.
If you were stranded on a desert island which three fictional characters, who would you like to be there with and why ?
Number one would have to be Mr Darcy, of Pride and Prejudice fame, for a bit of eye candy. Then I’d like Lucy, from My So-Called Afterlife, because she’d make me laugh and Mr Strong, from the Mr Men books, so I wouldn’t have to do any heavy lifting.
What was the first book you ever bought with your own money?
I don’t think I know the answer to this one – probably one of the Nancy Drew books when I was about thirteen or fourteen. There was a big bookshop where I lived and I used to spend ages deliberating over which one to buy. The owner probably hated me because I didn’t have much money so used to browse a lot!
What phrase do you find is the most played in your head?
At the moment, I’m using ‘To be honest,’ a lot but it’s usually something along the lines of ‘Eeek!’ as I’m finding myself doing a lot of things I’ve never done before, like talking to crowds about writing.
As a “teen author” do you think it is important to be an example, what positive message do you want to give?
When I was younger, I remember my mum telling me that if a job was worth doing, it was worth doing properly. At the time, she was talking about cleaning behind the bathroom sink but the words stuck with me. So whatever I do, I give it everything I have. Including cleaning behind the sink.
Would your teenage self have been friends with Lucy, and what about her do you like?
I hope we’d be great friends, although Lucy is a lot more self-possessed than I ever was; I’d be gawping in open-mouthed awe at her sarcasm and coolness if we met. I love that even when she’s scared, she doesn’t back down but underneath her wise-cracking exterior, she’s caring and sweet. I have a lot of time for Lucy.
Tell us about your love of rocks!
What can I tell you – there’s just something about them I love! I studied Geo-Archaeology at university, which involved quite a lot of geology and I liked learning about how our world was shaped over millions of years. I’ve recently enjoyed watching Wonders of the Solar System on TV because it involved quite a lot of fascinating rock facts. I’ll stop talking now, shall I?
What is the best part of the Loughton Operatic Society for you?
There are lots of great things about performing with LOS but best part has to be the friends I’ve made. Am-dram groups have a reputation as being a bit snooty but LOS isn’t. They’re a fab bunch and massively talented!
Burger restaurant manager, beauty pageant or married to Kevin Webster in your dreams, which is better and why?
I liked being a beauty queen but I was only four and the tiara was a bit pointy. And flipping burgers was hard work but good fun (I don’t think I’ll ever forget the correct internal temperature of a chicken burger) but obviously being married to Kevin Webster was my ultimate achievement; I mean, have you seen how amazing his moustache used to look?
Have you kept up your 2010 New Year’s resolution to be more cheerful at work – do you find you keep New Year’s revolutions?
Being cheerful at work is sometimes tough and I’ve had mixed results but I find chocolate helps. I don’t always keep my New Year’s resolutions, apart from the one I made in 2008 to do more writing.
I know you love Marmite, good woman, so what have you got against spiders, celery and arrogant people?
Arrogant people get on my nerves because they think they know everything – no one knows everything. Celery is what Satan feeds people in Hell and spiders – you mean you don’t know about them? They have enormous fangs and some of them carry guns and, basically, they’re trying to take over the world. I am very scared of them, even the small ones. In fact, often they’re the ones with the biggest teeth.
My son Ben, aged 12 years old, wants to know “Do you actually like writing and what is it like to be published?”
I love writing! Sometimes it’s hard work but I really enjoy telling stories and I can’t imagine not doing it. Being published is awesome too; there’s nothing quite like the feeling you get when someone says they liked your book.
My son Harry, aged 9 years old, wants to know “Which is your favourite book you’ve written?”
You can’t ask me that, it’s like asking which one of my pets I like best! As well as having Lucy in my head, there’s a stunt bunny called Harriet Houdini and a teen psychic named Skye. Each of their stories is different but I consider them all to be my friends and I couldn’t choose one over the others.
How did you get involved in the Book Swap night?
I got chatting to Scott on Twitter and found out he did a Junior Book Swap. Then I nagged and begged and whined until he gave in and let me take part.
What do you hope to achieve with the evening?
I really enjoy meeting the people who might read my book, so I’m hoping to make a few new friends and have some fun along the way. And also to swap the book I take for a brilliant new one.
Can you give one good reason to come along?
If you’re really lucky, I might show you my special talent, which is to lick my own elbow. Now if that isn’t a blummin’ good reason, I don’t know what is!
More can be found about Tamsyn Murrey
Website: www.tamsynmurray.co.uk
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/MySoCalledAfterlife
Twitter username: TamsynTweetie
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