Who is Valerie Lawson?
An avid reader since childhood who reads six books a week; then a teenager who discovered the thrills and challenges of writing; then a woman who found her career as a journalist; then an author who forced herself to persevere despite all the doubts; and the mother of two wonderful daughters and two little grandchildren.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Learn how to do one thing at a time instead of many things at once!
Who inspires you and why?
Those who help others in need, whether they’re ill, grieving, lonely or homeless.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Find a way, along with others, to help asylum seekers in camps who are desperate to come to Australia.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Bay of Islands, New Zealand for its beauty and because NZ is my homeland.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The Sydney Opera House and Rushcutters Bay Park, Sydney – at twilight.
What are you currently reading?
Paris Echo by Sebastian Faulks and Secret Muses, The Life of Frederick Ashton by Julie Kavanagh.
What are you currently listening to?
ABC Classic FM, Tony DeSare, singer and pianist.
Happiness is?
Inside: cuddling my dog. Outside: the conductor arrives, the overture ends and the curtain rises.
What does the future hold for you?
Que sera, sera.
Valerie is the author of Dancing Under the Southern Skies: A History of Ballet in Australia, published by Australian Scholarly Publishing, and available at all leading book retailers across the country.
Image: Valerie Lawson (supplied)