My guest this month is writer and author Val Portelli, who writes under the pen name Voinks, a nickname used by her family and friends for many years. She has written from a very early age, and received her first rejection letter at the age of nine. However, it was being housebound as the result of an accident that pushed her towards writing full time. From initial publication via the traditional route, she has now embraced the option of self-publishing and is loving every moment.

Hello, Voinks, and welcome to my blog. Let’s start at the beginning. What is your earliest memory — and how old were you at the time?

I was about two years old when my mother was taken ill, and my brother and I spent a few weeks in a children’s residence while she recovered. I can remember nothing about the place, only Dad picking us up in a borrowed Austin car when it was pouring of rain. We went into the living room of our house, I saw the old-fashioned lamp standard in the corner, and knew I was home.

What was your favourite subject at school — and which was the lesson you always wanted to avoid?

My favourites were English and Maths. My first career was in banking and finance, and my second as a writer so that hasn’t changed. There weren’t any subjects that I didn’t enjoy- even sport in the pouring rain.

If you had to escape from a fire, what three things would you take with you?

My collection of signed copies of Indie authors’ books, my Elvis records and my handbag.

Talking about yourself, how would you finish the sentence “not a lot of people know…”?

…that I breed dragons and have Unicorns in the garden.

Where is your favourite place on earth – and why?

By the sea. I once had a holiday home in Malta and would sleep in the lounge rather than the bedroom at the back, so the sound of the sea could be my lullaby.

If you knew you only had 24 hours left, how would you spend them?

Having a party for all my friends and family; alcohol might be involved.

Watch a film, go to the theatre, read a book or talk to friends — which would you prefer?

Talk to friends about the books we’ve read after a theatre trip.

Upload a picture or a photo that best represents you, and tell us why (and it doesn’t have to be a portrait, although it can be).

A friend bought me this for my birthday, and it always inspires me. Dreams can come true.

Would you describe yourself as left-brain (analytical), right-brain (intuitive) or a mix of both?

I once did a test where everyone else came out as 2/3, 4/5, 6/7 or similar results. Mine was 1 and 10 so I would have to say both.

Do you believe in fate?

Definitely. About five years ago I had a freak accident which left me hospital and bed-bound for a year. Writing, and having my first book published saved my sanity, but if it hadn’t happened I would never have made time to pursue my dream of becoming a published author.

Thank you, Voinks, for finding the time to drop by. Readers, you can find out more about Voinks and her books on her blog; via Facebook; or directly by email. You can find her novels: Changes; ABC-Destiny; and Spirit of Technology on Amazon UK or Amazon US.