Ella Kate Reeves Interview
1. Telll us a little about yourself and your book?
I was born in Brighton UK, I grew up in sussex and loved dancing and nature but was quite shy and had terrible self-esteem. However dancing and performing came naturally and it was my emotional outlet . Dance and spending time in nature have always been passions, writing wasn't really as I am very dyslexic and had no confidence around writing. Poetry however, felt more natural and Maya Angelou and Jewel Mathieson are and were my favourate poets .
'Watering my soul' is my first publication and is a collection of poetry. It was mainly written during my rehabilitation following brain surgery in 2012. During this time I was unable to move much and in alot of pain so I decided to write to pass the time and distract myself from the pain. I included a couple of childhood poems in the book too. My hope is that gives others hope and inspiration during tough life transitions and losses.
2. Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
Emma Stone or Ellen Page for sure! If they were not available Kirsten Stewart.
3. When did you decide to become a writer and why do you write? Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
I never 'decided', I put pen to paper in intensive care in London two days after brain surgery as the pain was so intense I had to focus my energy elsewhere to get through it. this is why I started writing. I couldn't move and had my head bandaged. But once I started I got into a kind of rythmic flow and carried on writing poems afte being allowed home.
4. What are you working on at the minute?
I am actually writing my autobiography and a book on the healing power of heat.
5. Will you share with us something that makes you laugh?
So many things make me laugh, I loved comedy, whether it's a great tv show or a brilliand comedic film. I also laugh at my sausage dog Merlin alot, as he tries to talk in some strange dog language and has lots of quirky habits!
6. How do you relax? I practice yoga, walk my dog in woods and love getting massaged deeply.....
7. What is your favourite positive saying or quote?
'Everything that happens to you is your teacher. the secret is to learn to sit at the feet of your own life snd be taught by it.
Everything that happens is either a blessing which is also a lesson,or a lesson which is also a blessing.'-Polly Berrian Berends
8. What is your favourite book and why?
It's a tough one BUT-'I know why the caged bird sings' by Maya Angelou. I love her work full stop , however reading this book really affected me and how i saw the world. I love her writing ability,it's depth,rawness and brilliance!
9. What is your favourite movie and why?
I love loads of movies, I just watched 'Thanks for sharing' and loved it. Hower 'Whats eating Gilbert Grape' is one of my gems. It's deep,raw , unusual and Leonardo De Caprio's acting is phenomenal.
10. What advice would you give to your younger self?
Thats a good question, maybe to to slow down and eat more greens!
11. Who would you most like to sit down to dinner with and why?
Maya Angelou, or Pharell Williams!
12. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Write from the heart, write about things that are your deepest experience and go for it.
13. How can readers discover more about you and you work?
They can follow my on facebook, I have a poetry page, buy my books and email me direct at katereeves77@yahoo.com.
Ella Kate Reeves