Writers Abroad Magazine Issue 7 November 2017 | Page 17

WRITERS ABROAD MAGAZINE: THE THIRD SPACE
showcases local authors. The English Library in our neighbouring town not only
stocks a wide range of books, but also organises talks by authors and cultural
events.
Swapping cultures will always present new aspects to moral conclusions and
assumptions. Does this reflect on your writing?
Interestingly, the French culture is far more like that of Britain in the 1960s – a
more relaxed style and a much stronger moral code. Topless bathing is no longer
to be seen on every beach and can attract a fine; using a mobile or video game in
a restaurant can see you evicted. Eating is a serious business. France suffered a
great deal in both world wars and this is reflected in their approach to
Remembrance Day and street names. Although I studied French literature at
school, I've yet to start reading books in French again, but I often read French
newspapers. Because the French vocabulary is far smaller than the English,
journalists tend to wax lyrical and their articles can be hard to understand.
What have you learnt from living in France?
To pay more attention to social graces and take your
time. The minimum greeting here is a handshake
and with friends, it's three kisses on both cheeks.
Then follow enquiries about family, health, travel,
etc. before any thought of talking turkey. Our chats
do wonders for our French. We love it!
Who is the audience for your writing and how
much of it is local?
As I've only just begun to get back into the swing of
writing, my audience is mainly local. The English
Library has a monthly newsletter, for which I pen a
variety of features. One is written under the nom-de-
plume of Johnny Raslebol, derived from the French
vernacular for 'I'm fed up'. The pieces take a very
tongue-in-cheek look at mildly irritating aspects of French life. I'm compiling an
anthology of stories about my travels in the RAF and the construction industry
in the 70s, a second novel is in progress and I'm now starting to look at short
story competitions.
Describe a typical day in your life in France including your writing.
Every day, I'm woken by our large tom, Ginger, demanding his breakfast, after
which he curls up on our bed to sleep it off. Unless we've appointments, we don't
rise early, such a luxury following years of crack of dawn starts. A continental
breakfast, then if I'm doing any writing, I hit the PC. All my best ideas come to
me while in bed and my brain is at its finest in the morning. I often write pieces
in my head and I need to transfer them quickly. House renovation, gardening,
making all kinds of articles from wood in my well-equipped workshop, baking
traditional bread, all these too have their place. We regularly meet friends for a
meal or at local festivals and we travel the area, enjoying the scenery and French
life.
16 | NOVEMBER 2017