Gerry's 20 Questions

Today I did my first interview for Playful Art. It was with the lovely Linnet Hunter from WildSky. And we sat in her beautiful writer’s garden. I arrived on time. And I was really scared at first. But Linnet was great. She knew just how to calm my nerves. And the drinks and cakes were yummo! So thanks Linnet. I also arranged for Lindy to take some photos of Linnet and I. And the interview went as follows.
 
Question 1
How long have you lived in Birre? And what lured you here? Or who?
Linnet
I have lived in and around Birregurra for about 12years. I came following a man- the man left but I stayed on.
 
Question 2
Why did you choose Birre? Were you running away from something? Or did your last town not have a skate park?
Linnet
The man chose Birregurra and I agreed with that choice. Gorgeous main street, lovely people, train station with a line to Melbourne- what's not to love?     
 
Question 3
Has moving here been a good decision? Or a bad decision?
Linnet
Great decision.
 
Question 4
If 3 new businesses opened up in Birre, what would you like them to be?
Linnet
Whisky bar, co-operative shared office space and an electric vehicle charging hub.
 
Question 5
You’re a writing coach. Tell me how that works. And about the teams. And do they have a writing grand final?
Linnet
I coach people in all sorts of ways, but not sports! This kind of coaching is more like being a guide who can help you find the way- the simplest way. In writing I help people say more with less words. The main part of my work is asking questions. Looks like you'd be good at that!
 
Question 6
You recently created a writer’s garden. Tell me about it. And why do writers need gardens? I don’t get it!
Linnet
Writers need quiet spaces, away from daily hustle so they can think, which is the core of writing. The garden I am creating is that kind of place -  peaceful and poetic.
 
Question 7
Why did swear words get invented if we’re not allowed to say them?
Linnet
Like all our language, it wasn't an invention, it just evolved. Swear words are anything people find offensive so they are mainly on taboo subjects. The topic isn't mean to be discussed by polite people so the words about them are off limits too.

Question 8
You like poetry. Can I ask why?
Linnet
Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.   Robert Frost
 
Question 9
My research tells me you play a zither. What the heck is a zither! And why did you choose it? And not a guitar?
Linnet
I am learning the autoharp which is a kind of zither. It's a 36 stringed instrument like a small harp but with chord bars. I needed an instrument that I could use to add music to my poetry performances and Angie from The Zither House in Birregurra ( which by the way is the only zither centre in the southern hemisphere) helped me choose it and learn to play it. Thank you Angie! I love it.
 
Question 10
My research also tells me that you cut your grass with a scythe. Why do you do that? Are you nuts? Or did someone steal your lawn mower?
Linnet
No one stole any lawnmower- I don't like them. Lawnmowers produce more air and noise pollution than cars, and I don't own one. A scythe is a beautiful, traditional way to cut grass that is silent and keeps you fit.  And yes, the neighbours think I am crazy. I hope I am.

Question 11
What’s you favourite kids book? And grown ups book? And what are you reading right now?
Linnet
My favourite children's book is hard to say- each week I would give you a different answer... I love so many of them and as a past reviewer who received hundreds of free copies I have a huge collection! This week my favourite is The mouse and his child by Russell Hoban. Grown up book is Middlemarch by George Eliot and right now I am reading Humankind: a hopeful history by Rutger Bregman
 
Question 12
What’s your all time favourite kids movie? And grown ups movie? And you can’t pick Ground Hog Day. That’s my favourite.
Linnet
Wizard of Oz and Cleo from 5 to 7 by Agnès Varda made in 1962.
 
Question 13
What style of music do you like? And who’s your favourite band? And solo singer?
Linnet
I love gospel, soul and heavy rock. My favourite solo singer (this week) is Mavis Staples, and the band would be Muse.
 
Question 14
What’s your favourite type of food? And drink? And what do you dislike eating the most?
Linnet
My favourite food is nibbles. For example, a ploughman's' lunch - fine bread, cheese, olives  and the like. Oh and chocolate. I dislike eating food I have cooked, cause I really dislike cooking. It's my least favourite chore.
 
Question 15
What’s the best present you ever received? And it can’t be from your family.
Linnet
A great present I received was a mermaid writing desk.
 
Question 16
If you won Tattslotto, what would you do with the money?
Linnet
I would get my tiny caravan on the road and make a travelling show of word and song.
 
Question 17
Tell me something about Linnet Hunter that nobody else knows?
Linnet
If nobody else knows it it's going to stay that way! but a little known fact is that I celebrated my thirteenth  and my twenty-fifth birthdays in Srinagar, Kashmir, India.
 
Question 18
What are you most proud of in life?
Linnet
My three children.
 
Question 19
What do you remember most about being a teenager?
Linnet
That it was ghastly. I am glad I don't have to relive that.
 
Question 20
What advice can you give me? About growing up.
Linnet
Don’t wish your life away