Casey Dolan has undertaken many different roles throughout her colourful career. Well-known as a presenter and actress in television, film and radio, as well as for being voted FHM’s Sexiest Woman, Casey was even nominated for a single in the South African Music Award (SAMA) in 2001.
And that’s the subject of her memoir An Appetite for Peas – a quirky, yet heartfelt account unveiling what life is REALLY like in the spotlight.
MICHELLE BARUFFOL caught up with Casey B to discover more about this versatile writer.
Q: What books have you published?
I have published two books to date. The first book is my personal memoir, An Appetite for Peas, which explores a young girl’s (my) journey into womanhood and the reality of a life in the South African spotlight.
My second book is a newly released novel, When the Bough Breaks.
Q: Can you tell us about When the Bough Breaks?
When the Bough Breaksis a novel about family, infidelity and love.
The plot revolves around Amber Whittington-Jones, an elderly mother dying of cancer. In her last days she writes a letter to her son and husband, begging their forgiveness for her transgressions. Then the story takes a turn for the worse.
Q: How long did it take you to write the book ?
It took five months to finish.
Q: What type of reader is this book aimed at?
I would say that the book appeals to an upmarket, issue-driven type of woman.
Q: Where have you launched the book?
I have officially launched When the Bough Breaks in Johannesburg and Cape Town. It has been translated into Spanish and French, so next year I am hoping to launch across Europe.
Q: How did you become a writer?
I have been obsessed with words and books ever since I can remember. After two decades of expressing myself in front of the camera, I feel I have accomplished all that I can on camera. I have now evolved that expression into the written word.
The exposure to characterisation and dialogue in my acting career has given me the insight to concentrate heavily on these aspects in my writing.
Q: Besides memoirs and novels, what else have you delved into?
I have tried my hand at poetry.
Q: Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get inspired by the smallest things – the way someone speaks, the aggression at a traffic light, a mood, the weather…
Part of being a writer is taking notice of everything around you and then transforming it into a piece of writing that will move your ‘inner reader’ and hopefully touch others.
Q: Is it easy making a living as a writer?
I believe that if you are passionate enough and put your mind to it, it is possible. You may initially have to sacrifice a bit in terms of time and money, but that is true of most new careers.
Q: Advice for getting published?
Publishers and literary agents can easily be found on the web. You will need an edited piece and a really appealing cover letter. Familiarise yourself with the rules provided on publishing agents’ websites and adhere to them!
Q: Can you give aspirant writers some tips on promoting yourself?
I tend to use social media, such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. I try to find ways to put my work on a platform where people can engage with it.
My writing tip is simple: write, write and write some more.
About the Author
MICHELLE BARUFFOL is a marketing manager by day and an aspirant freelance writer by night. As a marketing manager, she writes editorials, website content, brochures and anything else that she can get her hands on. She has a keen interest in psychology and career development and – besides an insatiable passion for reading and writing – enjoys drawing and playing the piano.
