Lessons Learned on the Way to the Top: A Q&A with Deirdre Thurston

Deirdre is the author of the collection of short stories Caught. Writing Daze caught up with Deirdre recently and asked her some questions On Writing. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by her answers.

About Deirdre Thurston

A mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend, confidante, Deirdre Thurston has been an observer of people her whole life. Sifting through the debris of quotidian angst, Deirdre gently excavates its relics and dusts off their funny side.

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About the Book: CAUGHT

Caught is a collection of stories that explore the deeper human themes: expectation, desire, loss, hope, fear, joy, redemption. And while the collection as a whole is relentlessly empathic, each retelling is colourful and sharp; here acidic and humourous, there bittersweet with pathos.

In this era of increasing social disconnection – in which technology is replacing intimacy and life occurs at a pace that challenges our ability to stop, observe and interpret our own existence and its relationship with those around us – Caught’s celebration of the everyday experience offers nourishment for the harried soul.

Book Excerpt

The young woman stood between the old gateposts, which were the only reason the rickety wooden fence, paint peeled almost entirely off, remained standing . . . on a precarious lean.

In her arms she cradled a brown cat, soft tummy up, round body topped with a small round head like a chocolate pudding. Lifting its head, the cat popped out a fuchsia-pink tongue and delicately licked the woman’s small chin. She placed a kiss on his sun-warmed head.

They were comfortable together this morning, going nowhere.

On Writing:

Q: What motivated you to write the book?

A lifelong dream I’d had. I was always searching for that ‘something else’ in my life. It is writing. When I sit to write – whether it be scribbles of nothing or an idea, I am in my happy place. It is what I love to do. The world seems at rights.

Q: What is the single most useful thing you have learned and how has it helped you as a writer.

Write from your heart. Don’t worry about what people will think. Let it flow out.

Q: What would you say are your main literary influences?

In my genre: David Sedaris. He makes me laugh. Always a good thing don’t you think? His un-PC approach is refreshing and hilarious but he can still show pathos.

I love many authors and each book is a treasure.

Questions for Fun

Q: What’s your favorite color?

Blue/white/yellow/blue….

Q: What’s your favorite author and why?

In my genre it is David Sedaris. He is un-PC, witty and hilarious.

I love Ian McEwan. His stories and style capture me each and every time.

Q: What are three things that your fans don’t know about you?

I’m an insomniac.

I stoop to pat every animal I come across.

I hate people wearing shoes in the house.

Thanks Deirdre for stopping

It was my pleasure, thank you.

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First Draft to Published

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