Hanlie Grobbelaar
Who are your favourite Scottish writers?
Tough questions, there are so many, but a few authors stand out for different reasons. During a time when I only read classics, I came across Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson. His descriptions were so vivid–it’s like being pulled into an 18th century Scottish landscape painting by Alexander Nasmyth. It is still one of my all-time favourite books.
When I lived in Nepal, I helped organise Burns Nights and got intrigued by Robert Burns’ work. I have Penguin’s Selected Poems next to my bed and love to immerse myself in his work and life now and then.
I enjoy Val McDermid’s work, with Queen Macbeth being a favourite, and I am always looking forward to Mark Walbank’s work, especially his short stories.
What piece of writing of yours are you most proud of?
I have dyslexia, and I used to think I couldn’t write. It took years to realise that I can. I wrote a piece about this experience, and it felt liberating. It will now be published in my writing circle’s anthology by the end of this year!
What is your 274 Miles story about?
A thief who is determined to reach his freedom.
Tell us about your writing process.
It usually begins with a mental image of a scene – this occurs when I can’t sleep, take long walks, or during other quiet moments. After that, I will introduce one or two characters, an action, or some dialogue and begin constructing a story. Once I have the basic outline of the tale, I start writing. I love seeing my story unfold and watching my characters develop.
If you have one piece of writing advice, what would it be?
Write for yourself.
What are you working on at the moment?
A children’s chapter book about a ghost and a dragon who are best friends and have to overcome problems together.
How can readers connect with you and read your work?
The best way is to email me at – hanlie.grobbelaar@gmail.com