I always appreciate the ironies of life. I was asked to interview Justin Bonello about his new book: Cooked: Out of the Frying Pan. I hate cooking but I do love eating. More than that, I love a man in the kitchen.
I used Writers Write Essentially interview technique. It is a creative approach and provides a different perspective on the person you are interviewing. This interview was first published in The Bluestocking Review (Facebook), 15th November 2011.
If your life were a city, what city would it be? Bangkok
Writing sounds like laughter
Writing looks like jumping through hoops
Writing tastes like Mississippi mud pies
Writing smells like rose
What is your favourite number? 7
What is your favourite meal? Italian dish called Vongole. Clam Pasta. Dad taught me how to make it.
What are you reading? I read Sci Fi and fantasy to escape. I am currently reading the sixth book in the Throne series. I have a stack of books next to my bed. I am also reading Bloodriver by Tim Butcher.
Where do you live? Noordhoek in Cape Town. Used to live in Observatory. I realised how unhappy I was in Observatory once I moved.
What is your favourite quality about yourself? Humility
(Note from interviewer: initially thought that Justin said humanity. Seemed to fit in with the type of person he is).
What is your least favourite quality about yourself? Temper
Do you have a favourite quote?
There are no bad cooks just friends who are not hungry enough.
(Note from interviewer: will be using this quote the next time someone criticises my cooking!)
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?
This is a dichotomy. I am a cook and a film producer. I run a small company with 27 staff but I get stuff out there. My work is global.
How did you come up with the titles of your books?
I had very little to do with titles.
Who designed the covers?
This is a long story. I wrote my first book – 40 pages – many years ago. I went to a club called The Curve. The barman poured me a scotch. I told him that the scotch was too small. His name was Quint Bruton and he was a graphic design. He moved in with me later. When Penguin phoned me about writing a book I told them I had a book. Quint designs all my covers.