Friday, November 2, 2012

Great Women, Great Authors: Meet Dawn Torrens!

I have always admired people who have shown great personal strength and today it’s great to welcome one amazing woman who has, Dawn Torrens.
 
Dawn, could you tell us about your first two books?

My first two books were a very personal project. They were about my true life story and one I felt compelled to share with everyone. I am a firm believer that dreams can come true no matter what anyone tells you. No matter how tough life gets or how far away your hopes and dreams seem to be, there is always a way to make them happen if you are determined enough. I had a very challenging childhood one that chipped away at your confidence little by little each day and one where there was no place for dreams, as simply existing daily was a hard enough task. I wrote my life story over two books, Amelia’s Story and Amelia’s Destiny.  

Amelia’s story starts at the very beginning of my life and takes you on a very heart wrenching journey throughout my childhood and right up to my late teens. Amelia’s Destiny continues the journey with Amelia into her adult life. These books are about determination, strength of will and never giving up hope even when all the odds are stacked against you and then some. I hope my story will be an inspiration for others who have given up on their own dreams and will hopefully encourage them to follow them regardless.

Did you find it difficult to write such as personal story?

There were times I found myself on the most incredible emotional rollercoaster. I had to re-visit some of the children’s homes I had lived in for research purposes. That was a very tough decision to follow through. I had to seek legal permissions from all the relevant governing bodies that played an important role in my childhood, such as the NSPCC and Social Services, as I needed access to all my care reports from them both to be able to write my story.  I was reminded of old ghosts, that brought much sadness to the forefront of my mind. I was also writing my story for my daughter, as I wanted her to understand the very hard road I had to travel to reach this point in my life. One day she will be asking many questions and ones I have often wondered how on earth I would answer. That’s why the first book starts with a little note to my daughter.

I believe you have also recently published written a book of poems called Heart and Mind. What inspired them?

Heart and Mind is a collection of poetry I have been writing for many years. I started writing poetry at around twelve years old as a form of escape. The collection was inspired from much of my own experience and also from the “University of Life.” There are many categories and something for everybody no matter what walk of life you come from…





What are you working on at the moment?

I am currently working on two projects, one is a novel called, “Broken Wings” a tragic love story, and also another poetry book called, “Heart and Soul”.

What are you currently reading?

I am currently re-reading an old favourite called Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. I love this book and never tire of reading it.

Me too! I love Wuthering Heights! What do you like to do in your free time when you're not reading and writing?

I love to spend as much time with my daughter as possible I just love being a mother! I also love to jog and power walk when ever I get the chance and spend quality time with my family dining out and just catching up with them…

Do you have any final comments?

Quote: Throughout our life’s journey there will always be obstacles placed in our path, it’s how we deal with those obstacles that shape the person we become. By D.G. Torrens…

Also, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you Katheryn for inviting me here today. I was both humbled and honoured...

Thank you Dawn for taking the time to be here and answer all my questions! Just one last question, where can readers find out more about you?




Twitter: @Torrenstp

 

7 comments:

  1. Thank you so very much Katheryn for inviting me here today. It was truly an honour :)

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  2. Wow! Great interview. I admit that I did not know your books were about you. I must read them. Thanks Katheryn for the great interview and Dawn for the honest responses. Best of luck to both of you! I look forward to more in the future.

    Paul R. Hewlett

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  3. Beautiful yet heart wrenching—a story that will outlive us all---hopefully the conditions have improved ---for all our sakes

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    1. Hopefully, brave people like Dawn telling her story will help things to change and improve now and in the future.

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  4. Thank you so much Paul rega and Lionel for you lovely comments :)

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