Just in case you've been on another planet - or not linked to me on Facebook or Twitter - I was interviewed on Radio Oxford last Friday, as part of the promotions for the Witney Book Festival (17th-19th June). I was in a state of complete trembliness and discovered what it meant to be dry mouthed with fear.
Not that I need have worried - Jo Thoenes, the afternoon presenter, was simply marvellous and soon had me at my ease - or at least, as much as I was ever going to be. The interview flew by as she asked me about my early life, my books and how I got to be where I am. To my relief I didn't fluff, stall or swear and more importantly I got all the plugs in for the Witney Book Festival and of course, my signing and exhibition at Teddy Bears of Witney, next Saturday, 10am-4pm.
My lovely friend Debs heroically ferried me about that afternoon and took photos. I had intended to take in some 'Puddletown Tales' characters to show Jo, but silly me, I left them in my studio at home. Thankfully Debs had her pig, Apricot, who came to be the star and I also brought in a work in progress - afterwards giving a flying demonstration to the nice programme producer who looked after us.
I have even been asked back, should I have another book to promote (*crosses fingers and prays to the Gods of publishing*). The interview - half an hour l
15 Comments on Radio waves, last added: 6/15/2011
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Just turned off Ken Bruce and listening now!
So glad that your interview went well, let's hope that lots of people turn up at your booksigning now:)
Dear Gretel,
The Secret Agent and I were so very proud of you and YES...I did leave a message!
You were so composed and professional.
I was not surprised at all that you turned what could have a MeMe interview into a generous praise of your charity, your readers, publisher and most of all your dear, darling and forever constant Andy.
No self pity or whining about your childhood...I expected nothing less...I'm so proud!
janet xox
http://theemptynest-janet.blogspot.com/
For goodness sake Gretel. I'm going to have to stop reading your blog and listening to you...I just end up in tears. Well done,you're going from strength to strength!
Aha! The real you. In jeans and boots. Perfect. And to put a voice to the face.... better yet.
Loved listening to the conversation... it was so much more that than it was just an "interview"... what a lovely sounding woman she was as well..I think she did a great job on getting the message across about your charity and also about the books.......
I'm so glad this is all working out so well. And...I'm ticked that I didn't know about your little animals many years ago...
Managed to access it somehow here in Germany.
A wonderful 'interview' Gretel and great to put a voice to the face. Good luck for the signing.
Gretel, You were really good! You were smooth and gracious and painfully honest, not a bit nervous. I feel as though I know you bit better now. I wish you every single success in this world!
I WILL have one of those darling little creatures sitting upon my studio work table in the near future.I am keeping abreast on your etsy shop, I am partial to the geese.
Well done, it was a great interview.You did so brilliantly, I would have had a definite wobble in my voice if it were me xx
You sound fantastic, I am listening to you now (am supposed to be working). It is so lovely putting a voice to the face!
Well done you, it is a great interview and is bringing needle felting to life.
Very well done! You were honest and sincere and really interesting to listen to. I loved actually hearing your voice, after all these years of following your life in silence.
You are a very special person, and I'm glad to know you. wow.
Super duper! I had a listen too, well done you - it must have nerve wracking! When you spoke about the Winnie the pooh and Pinwheel days it reminded me of when I was on the scene around the Cotswolds! Can it really be 5 years ago? So glad to hear you're well and happy, hope the book signing goes well :)
Gretel, this interview is a total delight to hear.
I really do urge all those folks who see this current posting of Gretel's to quickly click over to the BBC link.
Be prepared to be charmed.
xo
Hi Gretel,
Just listened to your interview - Well done, I think your amazing! Our stories share simularities, I am a sculpture who shares the bug of needlefelting, I too have a motorbiking Andy.... I often pass by your way to see how you are getting on. If your inclined, you will find me at thelittlewrenhousefactory.co.uk
Take Care,
Annie.
You sounded very intelligent....not at all what I expected:) - Just kidding:)
I think considering this was a new experience for you, you hit the ground running. I didn't detect the nerves just emotion and passion.
Fantastic news dear Gretel, I'm so happy for you and well done for speaking on the Radio. I'd have been completely tongue-tied, so I'm even more in awe.xxx