Sunday Brunch with Jaffareadstoo ~Aimee Walnofer

On this quiet Sunday morning why don't you put the kettle on, make your favourite breakfast and settle down for Sunday Brunch with Jaffareadstoo

I'd delighted to welcome author, Aimee Walnofer

☼Good Morning, Aimee. Happy Sunday !

Thank you for inviting me!

What favourite food are you bringing to Sunday brunch?

My contribution to brunch will be a big foil box of warm breakfast burritos, a staple here in Southern California. Imagine a big, soft, floury tortilla filled to bursting with fluffy scrambled eggs, melted cheddar cheese, and flavorful refried pinto beans, garnished with plenty of pico de gallo (a raw mixture of finely chopped tomatoes, jalapeños, onions and cilantro). If you’ve ever eaten a breakfast burrito made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, you’ll never forget it and will long for another one for the rest of your life!

Would you like a pot of English Breakfast tea, a strong Americano, or a glass of Bucks Fizz?

Normally I drink just plain water, as dull as that sounds, but since we’re enjoying typical fare from my hometown, I’ll bring along my juicer with a bag of homegrown, tree-ripened navel oranges, tangelos, tangerines and grapefruit to make you a citrus juice cocktail that will knock your socks off.

Which of your literary heroes are joining us today?

Having recently finished Amor Towles’s fantastic book, A Gentleman in Moscow, I feel compelled to invite Count Alexander Rostov to join us because he undoubtedly deserves a day outside of the Metropol. And he’s such a classy fellow! I just might learn some proper etiquette from simply being in his presence.

What’s the title of the book nearest to you?

Lucky for me that it happens to be the historical novel I wrote and published in spring of 2018, With Face Aflame.

What’s the oldest book on your book shelf?

Looking around, it’s most likely the yellowing copy of Jane Austen’s Persuasion on the top shelf there.

Which book do you really want to read but haven’t had time for …yet!

A couple of days ago, I did some snooping and saw that Sarah Perry’s The Essex Serpent is actually available in ebook format at my local library. This surprised me because usually the ebooks I’m after have a waitlist. Presently, I’m thoroughly enjoying Relative Strangers by Allie Cresswell, so hopefully the former will still be available when I’ve finished with the latter.

Do you have a guilty reading pleasure, and if so will you tell us about it?

For decades I’ve loved most of the books written by Norah Lofts. She was a phenomenal historical author. However (most likely for marketing reasons), a lot of her paperback covers present us with the image of a gorgeous, half-dressed woman fainting within striking distance of some burly man. In other words, they appear to be ultra-racy, romance novels even though they’re not. I love the books, but I do tend to tear off their front covers.

If the house was on fire which book would you rescue?

Hmm…probably the proof copy of my first novel, A Girl Called Foote. Finishing the writing of that book and making it available to readers was a dream come true, so when the proof arrived in the mail and I got to hold it in my hand, well, that was a glorious moment.

Do you have a reading/writing playlist on Spotify, or a favourite CD to listen to when reading/writing? And if so will you share with us a favourite song or piece of music that makes you feel happy?

Actually, music (especially songs with lyrics) tends to distract me from comprehending text on paper, so I prefer silence when I’m reading although I truly enjoy some lovely Irish folk music.

Do you have a favourite place to settle down to read/write?

In the colder months, the four-square feet right in front of my fireplace is prime real estate for reading. But any time of the year, I like to finish the day by reading a chapter or two on my Kindle in bed while my husband is beside me, drifting off to sleep.

Give us four essential items that a writer absolutely needs?

I would say peace, quiet, time and inspiration, but those don’t qualify as items, so instead I’ll say a good word processor, a dictionary, a thesaurus and a comfy desk chair.

What can you tell us about your latest novel, or your current work in progress?

I was pleased to type the 76,000th word of it this weekend! It’s set in Regency London and focuses on two girls who are determined to escape a brothel that they’ve found themselves stuck in. There’s a definite struggle trying to keep a story with such heavy subject matter believable yet not depressing, and entertaining without seeming cavalier. I’m trying to strike the balance. Hopefully, my beta readers will be able to let me know soon if I’ve been successful.

Where can we follow you on social media?

Twitter @aewalnofer

Instagram @aewalnofer

Blog/web 

Thanks again, Jo. I truly appreciate you allowing me to be a part of your blog today. I only wish I could rub Jaffa behind the ears in person. 😊