WRITERS ABROAD MAGAZINE: THE THIRD SPACE
I hope I succeed in showing some of this incredible blend of all that is Spain in my writing.
What are local attitudes to writers?
Very positive. Writers in the area appear well supported, their fiction and nonfiction works
being promoted in the English papers and sold in local shops. There is a writers group in
the village which has both Spanish and foreign participants. I find this quite lovely and a
way to develop insight into other cultures.
Swapping cultures will always present new aspects to moral conclusions and
assumptions. Does this affect your writing?
I don't believe moving to a mainland European country presents too many problems with
moral conclusions. Spanish friends and acquaintances do not hold ideas or opinions much
different to the British. Their thinking is within the same moral and ethical boundaries. My
writing, therefore, is not greatly affected by these issues.
However, the more personal characteristics of the people do impact. I came to realize the
first time I lived in Spain how the approach to life has formed mannerisms, expressions, and
wonderful personalities. The pace is slower, al fresco living is the norm, what doesn't get
done today, might be dealt with tomorrow. My writing is richer for broadening my horizons.
Traits I was previously unaware of have become entwined in my
characters, my protagonists can follow rules different to those innate in
me. And different we are - not better, not worse - just diverse.
What have you learnt from living in Spain?
Not to stress when things don't go according to plan. There is always
'mañana'.
Who is the audience for your writing and how much of it is local?
Friends and neighbours like to read my work and constantly encourage me. I have written
for the Almanzora Friends magazine, a publication for English speaking people produced
by the English Library in Albox. I also have stories, poems, and articles in a number of
anthologies.
Describe a typical day in your life in Spain including your writing.
I am not a very early riser, but generally start my day by eight. I like to walk to the hamlet of
La Cinta or Arboleas pueblo (old village) for a coffee each morning. If the weather
disappoints, which doesn't happen often, then hubby and I drive to the town of Albox, just
ten minutes away. I usually go to the town some time during each day to shop or just
browse. Wherever I have my coffee, my notebook and camera are at the ready. Often I
scribble away because some idea has popped into my mind. At other times I see a person,
image, or even an incident that prompts me to make notes or take a snap - fodder for a
future piece of writing.
By one o'clock, I am back at the villa ready to do whatever needs to be done - those boring
household chores that I so love! Whenever I can, I put them on hold and get writing. In the
evening we might sit on the terrace, have friends around, or go out for a meal or drink.
32 | May 2016