"People imply that writing fiction is an escape from reality. It’s not! It’s a plunge into reality - on which it's always based - and it’s a shock to the system. It's a terrible experience during which time my hair has fallen out and my teeth have decayed. It’s taken me fifty-two years to formulate 'Knock-knock, who's there?', my soon-to-be first novel, of which nine months have been spent typing; the rest of the time was taken up being lousy at people’s skills, a switchboard operator, a model, drag racing, a filing clerk - then when I grew up, travelling and working around the world."
Author
Cindy-Lou has authored three books: One is a how-to-book about becoming a travel writer, and two coffee table books that speak of on-assignment experiences. All are available via Amazon.
She's currently writing a novel, Knock-knock, Who's There? which is set at the height of South Africa’s violent apartheid era, it tells the story of a young girl who, despite her fanatical religious upbringing and her shadow of rape-shame, evades the future planned for her – thanks to a teacher and a house maid.
The novel portrays much violence, strong political and religious scenes, self-harm, personal conflicts, and savage abuse. Yet there’s no bitterness, despite it all. Ultimately this leaves the reader with a positive, optimistic and life-affirming message.
The ‘success against all odds’ magic about the book would appeal to readers who enjoyed Alexander McCall Smith’s No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, Wilbur Smith’s Courtney collection and Alexandra Fuller’s memoir Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight.
© 2024 Cindy-Lou Dale