From the Heart to the Page: Lorraine Buxton’s Reflections on 2023

What inspired you to write "Reflections: My Letter to 2023"?

Because the year had been so important to us I felt it was the ideal period to write about.

How did the process of reflecting on the past year influence your writing?

I found reflecting on the past, condensed into one year, brought many different emotions to the forefront of my writing. I wrote it in one sitting and then went back to it, to make any changes. Because it is written from personal experience I found it easier to write, but the first time I read it aloud I cried.

Can you share any personal anecdotes that particularly shaped your book?

We as a family use humour as a way of coping in bad situations. Our comments to each other may seem inappropriate to others, but most people find it amusing. I didn’t use any of the comments in the book, but the reference to the hormone treatment, and its hot flushes and menopause symptoms did bring about some humour.

What do you hope readers will take away from "Reflections: My Letter to 2023"?

I hope anyone who reads this who is going through cancer, or knows someone who is, will take a moment to think about how a diagnosis and the treatment that follows, not only affects the person with cancer, but it also has a wider reaching implication. Close family members, friends, and neighbours are all in some way touched by the diagnosis. Their world has been rocked and each one will be dealing with that in their own way.

Did you encounter any challenges while writing this book? How did you overcome them?

The main challenge was writing about my husband. I felt I couldn’t name him, but felt compelled to write about his experiences. I wrote the letter as a thank you to 2023, then I read it to him. I wanted to know what his thoughts were, and then I asked his permission to send it as a submission for the competition. Without his permission it would have simply sat in a folder somewhere, but he wanted to share his experiences too. Maybe someone else will benefit from reading it. The dream would be for it to save someone’s life, how special would that be?

What is your favourite part of "Reflections: My Letter to 2023" and why?

I think the ending is my favourite part. It could be a very sad, or depressing story, but I think the goals and challenges being achieved are positive. Raising money and even more importantly, raising awareness is so important. This shows no matter how you are affected something good can come out of it. Also the memories that were made in 2023 were very special. Being able to record them and reflect on them was lovely.

How do you approach writing about deeply personal and emotional topics?

I think I write from the heart and in a lot of ways from experiences I have had, or people I know have had, so there is always some emotion on those pages. But this is the first time I have written anything so personal and said this is me! The feelings deep inside of me are often visible in my books because the characters I write about need to be real, they need to deal with their situations in an authentic way, and to show their complexities and vulnerabilities, as anyone would. This is the only way I can write, and they do become real to me and hopefully to the reader. 

Do you have any particular writing habits or routines that you follow?

When I am focused, I write every day for at least a couple of hours. I usually have incense sticks, and candles burning, as I like a calm, quiet atmosphere around me. But if for any reason I have a break from that, it takes me a few days to get back into the rhythm of writing and to remember where I am in the story.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors who want to write reflective, or memoir-style

Works? 

The only advice I could give to anyone wanting to write is to go for it! If you are writing from the heart, with authenticity and belief, I think you will produce something to be proud of.

How has your perspective on life and writing changed after completing this book?

I hadn’t thought about ‘after’ until I re-read the book. My perspective on life has changed a lot, and although I find it hard to commit sometimes I’d love to live every day to the fullest and achieve something daily. If this book could help someone, in any way, either by being tested for prostate cancer, or by volunteering for a cancer charity, or by sharing their journey with cancer to others, then I’d be happy. But now I’ve re-read it, I’d like to follow this up with how the journey continues.

Can you tell us about any future writing projects you have in mind?

As I have mentioned above there could be a follow up on Reflections. But at the moment I am working on my third Mayfield book. It is about a fictional village and its community, with characters that the stories follow, and there is always a twist to the story that will make you rethink. The Mayfield collection is Book Corner, Eats and Treats, and Blooms and Balloons (coming soon). Maybe you’d like to visit and see Mayfield for yourself.

Mayfield Book Corner & Mayfield Eats & Treats

How can readers connect with you and follow your writing journey?

I am on social media platforms such as Facebook, and Instagram. I have my own page, a ‘Lorraine Buxton Author’ page, and a ‘Rainbow Lovers’ page which is for any like-minded people who want to inspire, share information, and encourage others to fulfil their dreams.

I also have an author page on Amazon where you can read my bio and follow my journey. You should find the four books I have written on this page, and hopefully Reflections: My Letter to 2023, and my new Mayfield book will be on there soon.

I’d love you to contact me and share your writing or reading experiences.

With love and best wishes for the future. Lorraine.