The Indie Book Butler Interview.

Indie Book Butler: Let’s start things off with an introduction. Tell us a little about yourself for those not already aware of you and your work.

Maxine Blake: I’m a recently retired teacher who has taught mostly boys aged 16 + over my teaching career, therefore making my teacher memoir quite an interesting read. This is my first book and is a humorous memoir as I recall the stories of getting myself into all sorts of situations with the students as they constantly challenged me over the years.

I’ve sang on stage with Elvis (dead) and Take That (alive)

IBB: You’ve got twenty words to tempt us to read your book(s). What would you say?

MB: They really happened to me; teacher stories unveiled: The Terminator strikes again, farting pigeons. The Phantom Crapper stories. Dumb and dumber.

IBB: Where do you like to write?

MB: Mostly my kitchen table, I like the comforts of the smell of food whilst my husband cooks.

IBB: Is there anything you must have in order to write?

MB: Pen, paper, something to record on if I’m out running

IBB: What books have influenced you most, both as a person and as an author?

MB: Maya Angelou’s books her writing style and her incredible resilience, determination and her writing style.

IBB: What is the one thing that has helped you develop most as an author?

MB: Reading, reading and more reading,  then writing and editing

IBB: What do you want to achieve most from your writing?

MB: I’d like people to understand how influential teachers are on children’s development and future and to give them more credit.

IBB: Have you received a favorite review of your work?

MB: “I have a complaint, I couldn’t get to sleep last night as I had to keep reading your book. When’s the next one out?”

IBB: Were there any particular parts of the writing/publishing process that you struggled with?

MB: Setting the correct for the humorous sections. Getting my head around the different formats to upload to different distributors.

IBB: Is there something specific you do to improve your writing?

MB: Re writing, leaving it for a while, then reading it out aloud to an audience for review.

IBB: What is the ideal relationship between editor and author?

MB: Mutual understanding of each other’s art form.

IBB: If you had a direct line to someone who loves or hates your writing, what would you say?

MB: I appreciate your comments.

IBB: If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring author, what would it be?

MB: Be patient.

IBB: What does your writing future hold for you?

MB: A collaboration with other educators to tell other humorous stories.

IBB: How have you set about the task of creating enticing cover art?

MB: I used a cover designer and was in constant collaboration with her regarding the fine points.

IBB: How often do you read? What genre?

MB: As often as I can. I use ebooks and paperback. I like psychological thrillers, poetry, memoirs

IBB: Before we let you escape, it’s your chance to name-drop. Anyone who you feel is deserving of more recognition at present or someone whose writing you have recently enjoyed? Now is your chance to spread the word.

MB: Chloe Balcom who is a poet and storyteller presently writing about female jugglers.

Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Best of luck in the future.

For more on Maxine and her work, please visit:

maxineblake.com

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