Thanks so much Wendy for inviting me. My name is Barb Taub, and I’m an American who grew up in California, but am now living in Scotland. In halcyon days BC (before children), I wrote a humor column for several Midwest newspapers. With the arrival of Child #4, I veered toward the dark side and an HR career. Following a daring daytime escape to England, I’ve lived in a medieval castle and a Hobbit House with my prince-of-a-guy and the World’s Most Spoiled AussieDog.
How exciting, makes me feel so dull!
How long have you been blogging, Barb, and what is the name of your blog?
I’ve been blogging for just over three years. The blog--Writing & Coffee. Especially Coffee—attempts to use humor in book reviews, author interviews, travel posts, and pretty much anything else that randomly occurs to me.
And how do you fit all this reading into your life? (marriage/kids/job)
I’ve always had a theory that if you turn down a chance to do something you’ve always said you wanted to try, it’s a sign you’re getting old. Or maybe just smarter. I’m still not sure! Certainly a different philosophy could have avoided any number of contacts with medical and possibly a few law enforcement personnel…
No, you can't just say that and leave it there!!!
When my kids were small, I stayed home with them. (I have to look around carefully before I say that, because if any of my kids are lurking they’ll say, “You so did not. What about the company you started to give sewing jobs to women up in the Appalachian Mountains? Or giving tours at Jefferson and Madison’s houses? Or all the other freelance jobs you took?” Sure, when they put it that way…)
Oh God, I did just stay at home. Will you stop making me look so boring! ;-)
When I was up and down all night with the kids, I used to fantasize about an uninterrupted night’s sleep.
Didn't we all!
So it’s kind of ironic that I turn out to be absolute rubbish at sleeping. Or maybe it’s just that I find something magic about being the only one awake in the middle of the night. So I started writing a family humor column for a chain of local papers. Eventually, however, my kids’ unreasonable expectations of a roof over their heads and regular meals meant that I had to go back to the real world. Those were the dark years, filled with power suits and sensible pumps. But at last I was able to return to writing full time. Now all my days are Saturdays. I spend them cavorting around the world, plus consulting with my daughter on Marvel heroes, my Null City book series, and translating from British to American.
I'm not talking to you anymore.
Oh, go on then... What keeps you blogging?
Honestly? I have no idea. When I was writing my first book, my incredible editor/mentor was Mary Rosenblum, The Literary Midwife. She told me to get rid of “said-tags”, start a blog, and something about “lay vs laid”. (Sorry Mary—best two out of three?) It took a while to get into blogging, but the thing that probably does the most to keep me going would be the amazing, incredible, helpful, funny, and all-round wonderful people I’ve met. They are from all over the world, and I would never have had the chance to get to know them if it hadn’t been for blogging.
Hurrah!
What is your favourite genre?
That’s easy. I like a lot of genres, but my heart belongs to Urban Fantasy. My Null City series has book four coming out this April. In addition, I have a new book out called Do Not Wash Hands in Plates, a humorous travel memoir about India, and I’m just starting research for the next one. (Translation: a blatant excuse to cruise around India with my two best friends from University days.)
And why not?
Are you an e-reader or a paperback girl?
They’ll have to pry my Kindle from my cold, dead fingers.
Me too! :-)
Daniel Craig. (Is there anyone else?)
Oh yes. Many :-)
Do you have a favourite classic?
I suppose that would depend on your definition of classic. My go-to book is always Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett.
What are you reading at the moment?
I’m absolutely wallowing in Ben Aaronovitch’s Rivers of London series, which has been described as what would happen if Harry Potter had never gotten his Hogwarts’ letter and become a London policeman instead.
Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule, Barb. and if you would like to hear more from Barb, her blog can be found here: http://barbtaub.com/ and her book links are below.
Universal Amazon Links to books:
One Way Fare: http://authl.it/30k
Don’t Touch: http://authl.it/30l
Tales From Null City: http://authl.it/30m
Round Trip Fare: [release date 7 April, 2016 from Hartwood Publishing]
Do Not Wash Hands In Plates: http://authl.it/4kk