@Celama
Hi Dawn
Ive found this an interesting read - it's not something that I would normally pick up and I would hesitate to say I love it because some of the content but it was certainly a refreshing change. I found Tara in particular a very angry/defensive character and I couldn't take to her from the very start of the book after she accosted Annie's friends mum over the party invite as it seemed such an extreme reaction and very unfair on Annie if it hadn't gone the way she wanted. However, I maybe just need to broaden my horizons a bit!
Out of all the different writing that you have done, what is your favourite style? Fiction, young adult, non fiction, columns or broadcasts?
HEy Celma
I think you're right, her reactions was terrible ad unfair. However I will say this...I think I am a reasonable human. Generally polite, mostly able to be decent in social situations. But sometimes, I just can't contain myself. People have TERRIBLE days, where they feel like shit. Where stuff gets on top of them, and on those days, they do and say bad things. I think that is perfectly normal, yet if you are the recipient of those actions, we forget to consider that its just a bad day, or the stress they can be under. We just judge.
Tara was an important character, because she highlighted a very important point. Just because you are a mother, doesn't mean you are perfect. You are still a woman, with feelings, emotions, needs, ambitions. Sometimes, you put yourself first. Sometimes you don't stop yourself doing what you feel like doing because you are worried about how it might affect your kids.
I relate to that. I can't make myself perfect just because I have kids now. I still scream FUCK when I stub my toe. I still write embarrassing books about sex, that they will one day have to read. And I STILL drink way too much tequila and put them to bed in their clothes sometimes. But I am STILL a brilliant and devoted mum with very happy children.
Just like Tara and Annie.