News Releases
JULY 18, 2024
In Conversation with Sandie Docker
BY JAMES BENNETT
What inspires your writing?
I never really know! Sometimes, it’s a tv show, other times, just an experience. The Redgum River Retreat was inspired by the Antique’s Roadshow, The Lyrebird Ladies Choir came from an article about older women experiencing homelessness.
What is your writing process like?
Flying by the seat of my pants. We like to be called “pantsers” – we definitely need to work on the name.
What is your favourite book, author or genre?
Women’s fiction. Historical fiction. The Red Tent by Anita Diamant, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.
Where was your childhood library?
Coffs Harbour! I wasn’t a big reader when I was younger, but my father gave me a copy of Pawn of Prophecy by David Eddings when I was about seventeen and the rest is history. ‘Pawn’ and the rest of the Belgariad series was my entry into reading. As Amber from Penguin says, “fantasy is a gateway drug”.
And then… Jane Austen came into my life.
What is the BEST thing about libraries?
Anyone can access them! Also, the community that libraries create are unparalleled!
How do you organise your books at home?
By author, then genre and author. Then my husband’s books.
We have about 12 Billys-worth so we try our best.
[Author’s Note: Billys are the official home-library standard of measurement]
What book should everyone read at least once in their lifetime?
Whatever captures their heart! I wasn’t a natural born reader, so I think its really important that people are given the space to explore what stories they are drawn to and that they find fulfilling.
The Lyrebird Lake Ladies Choir is available to order now.
Check it out here.
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