Interview with Colin Baines
Tell us a little about yourself: who you are, what you do
Who am I? Well, I’m quite a private person I suppose. I have a wonderful family who keep me endlessly entertained in one way or another and I’m never, ever bored. I’m a big fan of films, football and British history.
What jobs have you held or do you currently hold?
I am lucky enough to have always had a job. I have worked for the government (nowhere near as mysterious or daring as it sounds), was a marketing manager for a good few years, and currently run my own small business.
Do you find it difficult to balance writing time with other responsibilities?
Very! As I’m self-employed I tend to work a lot of hours in any event. I try to write notes to myself whenever I get ideas, then work on them in the evenings or at weekends. Sometimes they make sense, other times I wonder what on earth was going on inside my head.
What made you choose the time period of between the two world wars?
I think it’s a very interesting period – before mass communication (particularly television) became accessible to all and started to make the whole country look, sound and act more alike.
Where did the inspiration for Harry Cocque come from?
If I told you the real story you’d never believe me! Or maybe you would. It started as a bit of a private joke but then it just grew and grew like Topsy. And people who eat too many chips.
Gossip Girl Cookies | Georgiana & Craig
Georgianas’ stomach dropped as soon as she shut her laptop. She was super anxious, nervous, and excited to meet up with Craig. Sure, it was almost three in the morning, but the brunette didn’t care. She was used to going out during all hours of the night anyway, so this should be a breeze…except there was one small problem. What she was wearing. “Shit! I’m wearing my night gown!” She muttered to herself as she got up off her bed. Walking through her closet to get to her bathroom, she decided to wash up. After brushing her teeth and spraying her favorite perfume, she walked through her closet once more but this time she stopped. Her brown eyes peeled the racks of clothes, looking for something comfy, yet cute. ‘I could wear a PINK sweatsuit outfit. That’s casual, and fun at the same time.’ Georgiana thought quietly to herself. After a few moments, she decided on a sweatsuit; a purple PINK sweatsuit, and as for the top, she decided upon a casual plain white v-neck. Slipping her UGGs on, her mind was racing. Georgiana laughed at herself-at how excited she was getting. “Pull yourself together, Giana. Jesus Christ. It’s just a guy.” She spoke aloud to herself. But, she couldn’t calm down, and it wasn’t just any guy. It was a guy she happened to really like, and if this went well, she wouldn’t know how she’d handle it.
Once her tote was packed with the essentials which included keys to her apartment, her phone, and her locket that her mother gave her, she gave one last look of herself in the mirror. Smiling with the somewhat cute outfit, she walked out of the door and into the hallway. Once downstairs, she hailed down a taxi and told the cab driver the address. Once settled into the cab, Georgiana decided to shoot Craig a text: “Hey, I’m on my way. Xoxo Gossip Girl. LOL jk, it’s me Giana.” Smiling at the lit screen, she placed her phone back into her bag. After a few moments she found herself in front of Craigs’ place. “Thank you.” She thanked the cab driver and then tipped him. Slamming the cab door shut, she took a deep breath. “Just play it cool, Giana. You got this.” A quick pep talk to calm her nerves. Approaching the door she took one last deep breath before her finger pushed the call button.
