I can play almost any song on the piano (very poorly) from memory, if I have heard it once before. It’s one of my favourite things to do. I follow my poor husband around the house (and into the bathroom…) with a keyboard under one arm, begging him to give me requests like some sort of deranged busker: “Give me another!”, “Wait for it…!”; “Just one more”. We’re talking pop songs, movie sound tracks, national anthems. Christmas carols are the best. No jazz. Too hard. Working out how a song goes is my equivalent of doing the Sunday crossword. I drive my kids nuts: “What about Humpty Dumpty? Flight of the Bumblebee? Any takers? No?” It’s a truly pointless skill; an exercise in mediocrity.
2. What is your nickname?
I am a woman of many names: Eddie, Weeny, Mini. Also, Winks, to a precious few.
3. What is your greatest fear?
Well now, how long have you got? Woody Allen would have a field day with me…
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
I like writing about big characters and their small moments.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Disciplined. Honest. Prolific. Passionate. Dedicated.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
Elizabeth Bennet. For Mr Darcy… let’s be honest.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
1986. The year I was born. So that I could get to live my strange and wonderful life over again. See all my old pets, friends and family. Visit my favourite rooms and windows and trees.
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
You like the taste of mineral water? Uck.
9. Who is your greatest influence?
In literature, AA Milne.
10. What/who made you start writing?
Curiosity. Nostalgia. Boredom.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Palomino. I am not sure why. But I like the word ‘flamingo’ for the same reason. They both sound luxurious. Would make a nice cocktail.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
My Career Goes Bung by Miles Franklin — for the consolation. Assuming this is what has happened if I am stripped of even having books, let alone writing them.
Edwina Wyatt is a children’s author from a small dairy town on the south coast of NSW. She worked as a lawyer and a high school teacher before becoming a writer of books for young readers. Edwina has been twice longlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year Awards and is published internationally. For more information, see www.edwinawyatt.com.au. You can read our review of The Secrets of Magnolia Moon here.
