a.k.a. “queenie”
What is Borrowed Body about?
Loss, reincarnation, friendship and the spirit world, from the eyes of a young black child growing up in the 1970s.
Is it a fictionalised memoir of your childhood?
Yes. I spent much of my childhood in a Dr Barnardo's village in Essex.
What do you remember of growing up in care?
Lots of children. I didn't particularly like living in the Barnardo's cottage, where I was bullied by the staff and other children. I didn't like the village school either, where they told me I was stupid. But I felt safe, knowing I could go out and play without worrying. I missed that when I returned to London to live with my mother when I was 12.
What did you learn from your experiences in care?
I was a lot better off than many kids who grow up in families. I had routine, structure, stability, three meals a day. That routine, it stays in your blood.
Why did you base your first novel on your childhood?
I wanted to tell an untold story. What I experienced - violence in the home - isn't unique. It's far more prevalent than people will admit.
You had a spell living on the streets?
Yes. When I was sent back to Barnardo's as a teenager I chose the streets over education. I soon learnt it wasn’t a wise decision.
You have also written a book about conflict resolution and anger management, were you angry about your childhood?
Yes I was angry, angry that adults didn't listen to me. I was so angry that I stopped speaking to adults, didn't let them touch me or come anywhere near me. So angry that I tried to kill myself aged 12.
Is this why you have become a trainer in anger management?
I began working in the field of anger and conflict resolution after doing a lot of self healing and forgiveness. I wanted to share my experience and knowledge of some of the things I discovered about anger and resolving conflict in my life.
So you tried to kill yourself as a child are you happy to be alive today?
Oh yes most definitely. Sometimes I can't believe how my life has turned around. If somebody had told me when I was a child that I would be alive in my 40s I would have laughed in their face as I didn't want to live that long. Here I am today with an honorary doctorate for my lifetime achievements.
What message do you have for people who feel like life is not worth living, who live with much anger and conflict in their lives?
The Buddha's words: "Everything Changes and Reality is perfumed with compassion". If people could trust in these truths their lives would be full of a lot more contentment and happiness.