Hello, all! This week, I thought I'd continue the bookish themes from previous weeks and give you another glimpse into the creative mind of an indie writer. This time around, I've interviewed my new friend Jill Pennington, author of the slightly unusual ex-pat memoir The Diary of a Single Parent Abroad.

So, here are:

Thirteen Questions for Author Jill Pennington

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Jill hard at work on her home in the Apennines.
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1) First, please tell us a little about yourself.

I am a ‘Britalian’ Originally from Yorkshire (England) I have been living in Italy for 8 years, I have three teenage children and far too many animals. We live in the Apennine mountains and love it.

2) Could you sum up your book in one sentence for us?

An expat story with a difference.

3) Had you ever considered being/Were you a writer prior to writing this?

I have always written about my life and observations since childhood. I thought everyone did it but apparently not.

4) What was the hardest thing about writing the book?

Re-living the hard times.

5) Since The Diary of a Single Parent Abroad is a memoir, did you have to resist the urge to fictionalize any of it?


Oh no, the material just piled up in a corner, in fact there is still so much that I didn’t capture. My friends say that more things happen to me in a week than happen to most people in a year!

6) Have you considered writing fiction? Why/Why not?

Yes, I am currently considering this idea.

7) Is this book traditionally published or self-published?


I self-published.
8) Why did you choose that route to publication?

It appears in the current publishing climate, that unless you are a celebrity or already published there is very little chance of being taken on by a traditional publisher, so I decided to try going it alone.

9) What has been the most challenging part of publication for you?

Marketing, the hard work starts after you publish.

10) Are you considering writing another book yet?

Yes, I hope to write many more.

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Hey, guys - over here!
11) What will it be about?

Probably a sequel to the first but I have other ideas to explore as well.

12) What is your favorite book you've read this year?


Ooh I would have to say ‘Ask Me if I’m Happy’ by Kimberly Menozzi (sorry I am biased due to living in Bella Italia)

13)
What is your favorite book ever?


Stig of the Dump by Clive King –My favourite book as a child, I read it over and over, then got the chance to enjoy it again as a parent.


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Digging up an old well for 'free' water.

To order Jill's book, click on the image above!

Or use the following links:
Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
Paperback

You can also follow Jill on Twitter (@jillipen) and Facebook. Her promo for the book can be found on Youtube.


I hope you've enjoyed this conversation with Jill, and that you'll consider having a look at her book.














I'm sure you'll enjoy it, as it's an entertaining and sometimes enlightening look at life in Italy.
















In the meantime, I offer you a chance to reminisce about last summer's Olympic events.
















Why? I hear you ask.
















Do you really need a reason?
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Filippo Magnini - Italian Swimmer
Ciao for now! :)
 
 
Edited July 2nd, 2012

The post-earthquake recovery efforts in Emilia-Romagna, Italy continue. If you would like to make a donation to any of the relief funds, please click here to find out how you can do so.

Many people outside of Europe are still unaware of the earthquakes which have shaken Northern Italy since May 20th, 2012. The most recent quake hit on June 3rd, and aftershocks continue to unnerve residents who are already on edge after the initial 6.1 and 5.9 magnitude quakes a few weeks ago.

Recovery efforts are, of course, ongoing. Although I am in the US at the moment, I live in Italy most of the year. Emilia-Romagna is the region I call home - and my adopted hometown of Reggio Emilia has felt the impact of these events, albeit to a (thankfully) lesser extent. However, since I'm not there to help, I want to do what I can from here.


I am donating 50% of the profits from my book sales (paperback and ebook formats alike) in June and July to Croce Rossa Italiana - the Italian Red Cross - for their recovery efforts in Emilia-Romagna. To purchase a book, just go to the Order Books page.


Every sale this month - regardless of format, whether paperback or ebook - counts toward this donation. I hope you will consider making a purchase, but if you prefer to donate directly to the recovery efforts, here are some links so you can do just that.


If you would like to assist
the local authorities of Cavezzo in rebuilding the town, you can send donations (via bank transfer) here:

Comune di Cavezzo - Protezione Civile
Banco Popolare Società Cooperativa - Agenzia di Cavezzo
IBAN account: IT 52 J 05034 66720 000000032456
Bic-Swift code: BAPPIT21519


If you would like to help the city of Carpi, donations via bank transfer can be sent here:

Intestazione Comune di Carpi-Interventi di solidarietà -

Codice Iban IT 27 E 02008 23307 000040743376,
Unicredit Banca, causale Sisma Carpi
If you want to donate directly to Croce Rossa Italiana, please click here and give what you can (be sure to select "sisma Emilia Romagna" to send your donation to the correct channel).

I hope you can find it in your heart to contribute.
Thank you for your time, and for reading.

Grazie mille,
Kimberly Menozzi
 
 
My latest guest blog is up on Book After Book, where I'm talking about some of The Little Things which make a big difference when you live far from home.

Come on down and leave a little comment love, won't you please?