ABOUT ME

Jamie L Macilwaine

I was born in Zimbabwe, in the summer of 1992, and I remember my Mum telling me the story of the scorching hot day that I decided to arrive on. I don’t remember much about life in Zim, my first real memories come when we moved to an almost non-existent village in Mozambique, similar to that of MSE in my book, Swallows In The Wind. There, I grew up in the wilds of Africa, surrounded by abundant nature.

Much of Swallows In The Wind comes from my memories of that time and place, which is why the setting of the story is as important as the storyline and characters. When I think back to it, I remember the days in the hot sun spent on the boat, building sandcastles into the faces of sandbanks, and endless braai’s (or BBQ’s to those of you unfamiliar with South African slang).

I have always been fascinated with childhood, and the ability to see and imagine, something in everything. To see the magic in the world around us. I think that, growing up where I did, my imagination ran wild, feeding my vivid mind that has stayed with me as I have (unfortunately) got older. But the essence of creativity and entertainment I began with as a kid has remained a significant influence on my work.

In Swallows In The Wind, I attempt to demonstrate the harsh reality of losing youth, not gradually (as happens to every single one of us) but through loss. When a sudden, and awful, thing happens to the main character, I identify the downward spiral of the mind as innocence and youth are ripped away, coupled with the cold reality of nature.

Now, I live in Kent, England, already working on my third story! I will always remember those days in Africa, especially as I sit in my cold office, it’s 3.30pm, and the sun has already begun to set outside my window. I think my unique childhood has allowed me to have a distinctive view of the world, to find not just the beauty in everywhere I go, but the differences, the unique characteristics of every place I visit.

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Get in touch with me if you’ve got any comments, questions, suggestions, or want to say hello by using the contact form on the Homepage. I’d be more than happy to hear from you!