Q: I understand you are writing your first novel.
A: I have been writing since 1994. It began as letters to a friend who had moved away. The letters were never sent, too honest, I suppose. They read like diary entries, and once I realized that, I kept a journal, entering my thoughts and feelings while writing the occasional poem. I’ll never stop writing poetry, but I feel the ability to express myself has matured into something that I can share, something that I can spend time building, creating, and nurturing.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your novel?
A: It is a conversational novel with an enormous amount of action going on in the background. There is a young man whose parent dies, and during that turmoil he is trying to help a child who has an abusive father.
Q: Who inspired you to be a writer?
A: Everyone who has ever been published. While writing for an audience, the writer is standing completely naked, saying: “judge me.” I do like Emily Dickinson more than most though, perhaps Aphra Behn too.
Q: You have written poetry and short stories; is laying down your first manuscript drastically different?
A: Writing a novel is very different. It is more difficult to get someone to read your work for days, rather than minutes. A good straight plot line can go over very well in a well written short story, but a novel needs twists, turns, and often misdirection. There might be one central theme in a novel, but the reader does not need to have it figured out until the end.
Q: What will you do after your novel?
A: I will write more novels, screen plays, children’s books, poetry, stage plays, and perhaps some political commentary.
Q: What about family? Is there a Mrs. Brinkhurst?
A: There is a Mrs. Brinkhurst, along with two beautiful daughters. I am thankful for every minute I get to spend with my family.
