This week it is my pleasure to interview Philippa Drake. Would you please introduce yourself to my readers, Philippa and share something about your life.
My name is Philippa Drake and I am an autistic artiste who was affectionately named ‘The Scribe’ in my family because I was always scribbling on the back of cardboard that my mum saved for me from clothing packaging. I began writing poetry from the age of eight and used to design simple A4 booklets called Family Favourites. I would design a border with a yellow highlighter pen.
When did you write your first book and how did it come about?
I self published my first poetry collection ‘Lightning Bolt’ in 2021. I already had a large poetry file on my ipad from lockdown and wanted to turn it into a book rather than leaving it mouldering on my computer.
Do you always write in the same genre or do you mix it up?
Generally, I write sci fi/fantasy verse but I also write Limericks and other humorous poems.
When you write, do you start with an idea and sit down and let it evolve, or do you make notes and plot the chapters beforehand?
In the past, I used to brainstorm words and write a synopsis which I would use as the basis of my poem. Now, I create a photo followed by a title and then the poem develops spontaneously.
Would you like to give us a short excerpt from one of your books? My forthcoming book is called Unpeeling The Onion. Here is an extract
Onion in a cheekbone
Her gall soaked past uncoiledlike swirling, variegated ribbonsfrayed tales dappled darka varnish of crimson gleaming.Mirrored portalscapture her countenance. In sallow cheekbonesa giant onion roots.As cries of dread resoundmagic blades materialise.The pearly bulb cracksin severed, curling vapours.Aged sinews entwine verdant and feistybeneath the fragrant earth.
Which of your books gave you the most pleasure to write? I derive tremendous pleasure from each individual book I create. However, the one I have enjoyed crafting the most is Unpeeling The Onion because it involved taking a trip down memory lane and reliving episodes in my life which I have rarely discussed with anyone. The idea came from a dream I had where I found an onion embedded in my cheek and tried chopping off the stalk and onion, forgetting of course that the roots were still stuck in my face. A reminder that while memories can fade over time, they never fully disappear.
What is the best marketing tip you have received? The best marketing tip I have received is finding the Rita Lee Chapman site and ALCS which I think will be fundamental in promoting my work as effectively as possible.
What do you do when you are not writing or reading?
As well as writing, I enjoy creating digital art which I am building up into an NFT portfolio. I often see strange shapes and faces in objects around me and light reflections which create the magic for these photos. I like to use them to illustrate my poetry books. too.
I also do some busking in Eastbourne town centre. It is a very subjective and challenging pastime in terms of money earned and the type of audience I perform for.
Additionally. I have an online homeware shop called Tea_for2 which can be accessed on www.zazzle.co.uk/Tea_for2 I have created a selection of mugs, magnets, tea towels, coasters and much more. I have set up a Facebook page to promote my store.
Are you working on a new book at the moment?
Currently, I am illustrating my first book of Limericks, Lampoon And Guffaw. This is quite a departure in genre for me because I usually concentrate on spooky themes and have a fascination for the interplay of light and darkness. However, I do have an impish, mischievous side to my character.
What is the biggest factor for you when selecting a book to read?
When, choosing a book to read, I look for a plot line that will hook me from the outset with believable characters who I can identify with and who will draw me into their world. I particularly like novels of intrigue, suspense and enigmatic twists.
If you could holiday anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?
My favourite holiday destination is Silvi Marina on the Italian Adriatic coast where I have property. It is my personal paradise. My mum chose the location in 1987 with my dad. Me and my brother had wonderful summers in Silvi with them in delightful hotels. Finally, my dad bought a flat there so we could spend longer summer holidays in the sun.
Do you have any events or book promotions coming up that you would like to tell us about? I have recently received the Emily Dickinson award from Bookleaf Publishing who published my poetry collection Mystic Meanderings last year after participating in their writing challenge. I also was on Hailsham FM on the 21 December last year to talk about my poetry and read some of my work. On the 14 September, I am planning to attend the Hailsham festival book fair.
My name is Philippa Drake and I am an autistic artiste who was affectionately named ‘The Scribe’ in my family because I was always scribbling on the back of cardboard that my mum saved for me from clothing packaging. I began writing poetry from the age of eight and used to design simple A4 booklets called Family Favourites. I would design a border with a yellow highlighter pen.
When did you write your first book and how did it come about?
I self published my first poetry collection ‘Lightning Bolt’ in 2021. I already had a large poetry file on my ipad from lockdown and wanted to turn it into a book rather than leaving it mouldering on my computer.
Do you always write in the same genre or do you mix it up?
Generally, I write sci fi/fantasy verse but I also write Limericks and other humorous poems.
When you write, do you start with an idea and sit down and let it evolve, or do you make notes and plot the chapters beforehand?
In the past, I used to brainstorm words and write a synopsis which I would use as the basis of my poem. Now, I create a photo followed by a title and then the poem develops spontaneously.
Would you like to give us a short excerpt from one of your books? My forthcoming book is called Unpeeling The Onion. Here is an extract
Onion in a cheekbone
Her gall soaked past uncoiledlike swirling, variegated ribbonsfrayed tales dappled darka varnish of crimson gleaming.Mirrored portalscapture her countenance. In sallow cheekbonesa giant onion roots.As cries of dread resoundmagic blades materialise.The pearly bulb cracksin severed, curling vapours.Aged sinews entwine verdant and feistybeneath the fragrant earth.
Which of your books gave you the most pleasure to write? I derive tremendous pleasure from each individual book I create. However, the one I have enjoyed crafting the most is Unpeeling The Onion because it involved taking a trip down memory lane and reliving episodes in my life which I have rarely discussed with anyone. The idea came from a dream I had where I found an onion embedded in my cheek and tried chopping off the stalk and onion, forgetting of course that the roots were still stuck in my face. A reminder that while memories can fade over time, they never fully disappear.
What is the best marketing tip you have received? The best marketing tip I have received is finding the Rita Lee Chapman site and ALCS which I think will be fundamental in promoting my work as effectively as possible.
What do you do when you are not writing or reading?
As well as writing, I enjoy creating digital art which I am building up into an NFT portfolio. I often see strange shapes and faces in objects around me and light reflections which create the magic for these photos. I like to use them to illustrate my poetry books. too.
I also do some busking in Eastbourne town centre. It is a very subjective and challenging pastime in terms of money earned and the type of audience I perform for.
Additionally. I have an online homeware shop called Tea_for2 which can be accessed on www.zazzle.co.uk/Tea_for2 I have created a selection of mugs, magnets, tea towels, coasters and much more. I have set up a Facebook page to promote my store.
Are you working on a new book at the moment?
Currently, I am illustrating my first book of Limericks, Lampoon And Guffaw. This is quite a departure in genre for me because I usually concentrate on spooky themes and have a fascination for the interplay of light and darkness. However, I do have an impish, mischievous side to my character.
What is the biggest factor for you when selecting a book to read?
When, choosing a book to read, I look for a plot line that will hook me from the outset with believable characters who I can identify with and who will draw me into their world. I particularly like novels of intrigue, suspense and enigmatic twists.
If you could holiday anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?
My favourite holiday destination is Silvi Marina on the Italian Adriatic coast where I have property. It is my personal paradise. My mum chose the location in 1987 with my dad. Me and my brother had wonderful summers in Silvi with them in delightful hotels. Finally, my dad bought a flat there so we could spend longer summer holidays in the sun.
Do you have any events or book promotions coming up that you would like to tell us about? I have recently received the Emily Dickinson award from Bookleaf Publishing who published my poetry collection Mystic Meanderings last year after participating in their writing challenge. I also was on Hailsham FM on the 21 December last year to talk about my poetry and read some of my work. On the 14 September, I am planning to attend the Hailsham festival book fair.