Meet Gareth Edwards, Author of 'Magic Nana and the Dragon Telescope'. Gareth loves the magic that is possible in the minds of children and enjoys finding and encouraging that magic in everyday life. Each story in the 'Magic Nana' series tells of the power of imagination.
Welsh/Australian Author, Artist, Musician, husband and father of three, Gareth Edwards balances his corporate life as a Business Consultant alongside his creative outlets. He created the 'Magic Nana' series of books based on real characters, particularly celebrating the special relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren.
What inspired you to start writing?
GE: I wanted to create a story that allowed me to imagine how the relationship between my mother and my baby daughter, both of whom have passed away and who never met, may have developed. This series of stories enables me to keep a small part of each of them alive.
How long have you been writing?
GE: I have written in some form all of my life. I tend to document my thoughts in some way; I write poetry, songs and now stories. I also paint.
What advice would you give a new writer, someone just starting out?
GE: Write what you enjoy and enjoy writing it. If you love it, others will too.
What book is currently on your bedside table?
GE: “The Shadow Rising” book 4 of the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan
Who is your favourite musician/band and what is your favourite song?
GE: My favourite musicians are Pink Floyd, Neil Young, Dire Straits, Xavier Rudd and too many more to mention (I’m a huge music fan). My favourite song is too hard to call … I absolutely love “Telegraph Road” by Dire Straits and the whole “Animals” album by Pink Floyd. “Follow the Sun” by Xavier Rudd is really lovely. I also really enjoy the first Sigur Ros album “Agaetis Byrjun”. “Cortez the Killer” by Neil Young is also a contender.
Which season is your favourite?
GE: SUMMER!! I’m half Australian, I love the sun!
Who is your favourite artist?
GE: Two of my favourite painters are Salvador Dali, I love hidden imagery, and Kerry Stokes; she painted stunning abstract Australian landscapes.
If you could choose three people to invite for a dinner party, who would they be and why?
GE: I’d need to put some serious thought it into it but I’d likely be mischievous and choose people who are not in any way compatible and then revel in my own naughtiness!
What is the best part of your day?
GE: All of it!
What is it that you do when you're not working?
GE: I write, paint, make music, run a consultancy business, have a family of 5 including a 15-year-old, a 12-year-old and a 1-year-old … I don’t get any extra time. If I did, I would like to try and finish that book that’s been sitting on my bedside table for several months! I’d also like to try and get into the garden as Spring is finally approaching and maybe even get a surf or two in…both with and without the kids.
What’s something you’ve done but will never do again?
GE: Skydive. I loved it but I’m not as brave as I used to be.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? By whom?
GE: “Life is what’s happens while you plan for it," an old boss. (I’m not sure if he was quoting somebody else or not).
What’s your guilty pleasure?
GE: Chicken and mushroom pie and chips with mushy peas from the chippy. We have a vegan, very healthy household so I rarely eat meat or 'rubbish' food. This meal from the chippy has all sorts of memory associations and I thoroughly enjoy it every time!
Where you would you love to travel to?
South America is the only continent I haven’t visited. Costa Rica is high on the ‘go to’ list.
What are you really bad at?
GE: Being told what to do. Being told I can’t do something. Waiting – I often try and give the kids some of their Christmas presents early.
Take a look at the 'Magic Nana' website
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