Kim Lock, author of Peace, Love and Khaki Socks
Tell us about your latest creation…
One sultry October morning in Darwin, hemp-wearing army wife Amy Silva grips a trembling fist around two pink lines on a plastic stick. Struggling to come to terms with her rampant fertility, disillusioned with a haughty obstetrician, and infuriated by an inordinate amount of peeing, Amy finds solace in a decision to homebirth. After all, it worked for the cavewomen, right? But as a tropical cyclone threatens to whip down the main street, Amy finds herself facing more than biology. Peace, Love & Khaki Socks explores what it is to be a woman, an expectant mother, a lover and a friend in a patriarchy. Sometimes horrifying, sometimes hilarious and always honest, this unforgettable story is one woman’s struggle to turn the ordinary into something extraordinary.
Where are you from / where do you call home?
After growing up in country South Australia, I have lived in Darwin, Melbourne and Canberra, and now reside in the beautiful Barossa Valley with my military husband and two young children.
When you were a kid, what did you want to become? An author?
For as long as I can remember, I have been writing. I have always wanted to be a published fiction author. However, there was a while in high school where I the idea of becoming a doctor, or perhaps a vet … but once I realised the maths grades I would need, I quickly abandoned that idea. Professionally, I have spent the past 14 years as a graphic designer.
What do you consider to be your best work? Why?
My best work is my children … but I assume you mean writing? In that case, my debut novel, to be released in May 2013, is the work for which I feel the most pride.
Describe your writing environment to us – your writing room, desk, etc.; is it ordered or chaotic?
With two small children, I work anywhere above about waist height! My laptop usually sits on the kitchen table, or a bench top, or I write outside under a tree while the kids play on the trampoline .. anywhere. I write when I can, wherever I can, and I have to be happy with that!
When you’re not writing, who/what do you like to read?
Absolutely anything. I have a huge range of fiction genre that I enjoy—from fun chick lit to thriller and drama. I tend to have favourite books rather than authors, however I favour strong female protagonists and writing with feminist undertones.
What was the defining book(s) of your childhood/schooling?
The Nancy Drew series. I loved those books.
If you were a literary character, who would you be?
I don’t know!
Apart from books, what do you do in your spare time (surprise us!)?
I love to knit, and I like to pretend I’m good at it.
What is your favourite food and favourite drink?
My Mum’s roast chicken and gravy. Gravy is a drink, right?
Who is your hero? Why?
Jack Reacher. Because he’s Jack Reacher! He’s good hearted, but so very, very tall.
Crystal ball time – what is the biggest challenge for the future of books and reading?
For new authors to be published. There is a lot of great writers out there fighting for attention on the slush pile, but may never see the ink of a printer while publishers need to publish what makes
money—and that is authors they know will sell.
Follow Kim
Website URL: www.kimlockauthor.com
Facebook Page URL: https://www.facebook.com/kimlo
Twitter URL: https://twitter.com/kimlockaut