Author Interview – Patricia Huth – Half A Pair Of People

On The Table Read, “the best book magazine in the UK“, poet and former debutante Patricia Huth talks about what inspired her to write her memoir, Half A Pair Of People.

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed Patricia Huth about her life and career, when she wanted to write her memoir about her life as a debutante, and her creative process.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

I am a poet.  I started writing poetry when I was a teenager and have attended many poetry courses the last one being in Oxford.  I love reading poetry and my favourite authors are Thomas Hardy and Felix Dennis.

I am very emotional and that brings with it lots of problems with living life peacefully but I think, at 82, I have just got the hang of it all.  I try to live as Erkhart Tolle advises in ‘The New Earth’: live in the NOW don’t worry about yesterday or tomorrow.  

When did you first WANT to write a book?

I have always wanted to write and started doing so in my teens.

When did you take a step to start writing?

I wrote a journal when I was boarding in a French convent at the age of 13.

How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

I was approximately two years writing my memoir, I wrote most of it in 1982 and finished it this year (2022)

What made you want to write Half A Pair Of People?

I just thought I had had an interesting life change and that I could write about it in an amusing way. 

What were your biggest challenges with writing Half A Pair Of People?

It is easier to do the washing up than sit down and get on with the writing. 

What was your research process for Half A Pair Of People?

I just had to remember what I had done in the last year or two and look back on my childhood and remember that too.  The book is a memoir.

How did you plan the structure of Half A Pair Of People?

I wrote it in chapters

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Half A Pair Of People need?

My partner did a lot of work on grammar and spelling which are not my strong forte.

What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?

Sit down and write a few lines or even just a few words.  Tell yourself your story in your head.  If you are a poor sleeper the middle of the night is a good time for this when awake and not sleeping.

Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

No more books just poems!

And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

Yes, I am proud of my achievement.  I left school at 15 with no O levels and worked hard to educate myself throughout my life.

Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Books-Patricia-Huth/s?rh=n%3A266239%2Cp_27%3APatricia+Huth

patricia.huthellis@googlemail.com

acotswoldpoet.blogspot.com

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