Please tell us a little bit about your book
The Pomegranate Journal: the Art of Getting Older, One Day at a Time is a memoir of ageing, written as it happens. I use the journal format as a way of charting key moments and reflecting on my own experience between the age of 75 and 77 years. It covers events such as creative work, the joy of mindfulness, finding a new friend, death of other friends, health issues, and wonder in nature.
My intention is to provide a guidebook, to accompany my readers, and explore the rhythm of ageing – its setbacks and reprieves, challenges, and rewards.
The pomegranate becomes a metaphor and connecting thread for the enigma of what is to come, and the seeds of knowledge and wisdom that are gathered along the way.
What inspired you to write this book?
After writing more complex books, such as Spirited Ageing: Cultivating the Art of Renewal, I was reaching for simplicity, a direct way to record my experience.
At 75, I was also curious about what lay ahead. I knew I wanted to show up, pen in hand, for whatever happened. I had an intuition that this might be helpful for others who felt confused or anxious about what was to come. I wanted to help them to face challenges and feel resourced; to trust their own wisdom so they too could learn to live in an older body while maintaining a rewarding engagement with life, and an open and adventurous spirit.
What research was involved?
I did extensive research into ageing when I wrote my earlier book Spirited Ageing. That’s when I discovered the importance of having a good attitude, creativity, mindfulness, clutter clearing, fostering relationships with younger people, and much more. All of that has resourced me for walking the talk.
Do you have a typical routine or process when writing?
First thing in the morning, usually after breakfast, is my favourite time to pick up my pen and write. You’ll find me sitting comfortably on the couch in my living room with an A5 notebook in my hand. My other favourite place to write is in the park, in the afternoon. Sometimes I will dictate straight into my phone while I’m sitting under a tree, or sometimes on a rock by one of the local beaches.
What did you enjoy the most about writing about this book?
I loved the reflective process, and the way I could make meaning out of things that happened to me as I grew older. I enjoyed surprising myself by what I wrote, and sometimes making myself laugh or cry. And then I was inspired to add some tips at the end for any of my readers who wanted to keep their own reflective journal.
What was the most challenging aspect?
Editing the journal and exploring the metaphor of the pomegranate so the journal would have coherence through the different themes that emerged. It was a satisfying challenge.
Has a book had such an impact on you that you bought it for your friends?
Hinemoa Elder’s beautiful book, Aroha.
Is there a book you go back to time and again to re-read?
Anything by Jane Austin. I save her for when I am sick or need extended rest. She always cheers me up and has me laughing at human foibles.
Can you share a piece of good advice you’ve received about writing?
Keep doing it. Just put your bum on the seat.
What advice do you give to writers starting out?
Give yourself permission to write badly. Let go of judgments and get words down on the page without censorship. Writing happens in layers. Expect nothing from a first draft. Expect everything from a draft that you have edited at least 10 times, sent to a few trusted readers, and edited again.
What kind of books do you like to read for enjoyment?
Writing by spiritual teachers such as Thich Nhat Hahn. Stimulating political and cultural commentary and the history of Aotearoa, by Anne Salmond. Andrew Crowe’s Pathway of the Birds. Memoirs, such as Alison Jones’s This Pākehā Life.
Do you read physical books or digital ones?
Physical books wherever possible. I love the feel and texture of a book. And I can see how far I’ve come, and how far I have to go before it’s finished, just by holding it up. I’m thrilled that the Pomegranate Journal has a sensuous matt cover and Italian bulk cream paper on the inside.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Walking in nature, swimming, doing yoga, meditation, visiting friends, and reading stories to my granddaughters.
What’s next for you?
I have a second journal that I’ll be editing and preparing for publication later in the year.
