Vikki Blundell
Vikki Blundell created a Grief Journal for the Bereaved, the first of a series of journals that provide support as we navigate many of the most challenging – and rewarding – life experiences. The Grief Journal was created after her son Ryan (23) died in 2021.
Vikki has lived in Auckland, Northland, King Country, Waikato and Peru, returning to Hamilton in June 2020. She loves back-pack style travel, experiencing new cultures and meeting new people. Vikki describes her life as ‘lifetimes within one lifetime’ and is inspired to gently remind us that we can navigate, and grow from, life’s most unenviable experiences as well as the wonderful ones.
What authors did you dislike at first but grew into?
If I don’t like a book, I put it down very quickly. If I do like it, I read almost non-stop until it is finished. I don’t think I’ve ever developed a like for an author I initially didn’t like.
Do you try more to be original, or to deliver to readers what they want?
I deliver what is pouring out of my heart, then my mind ensures it makes sense.
If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?
I would have written more instead of focusing on outdoor pursuits.
Have you Googled yourself? Did you find out anything interesting?
I have Googled myself and found there is another Vikki Blundell (from England) and lots about my achievements in previous jobs and returning to NZ when Ryan got sick.
Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym? Why?
No – I want readers to know that I too have experienced a similar event and that my work is based on that experience.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
Two. A memoir called ‘Collateral Love’ about my experience traveling home to NZ mid global COVID lockdown to be with my son after his terminal diagnosis and re-creating myself after he died which deconstructed my own life. A Grief Journal for End of Relationship.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I haven’t had any formal book reviews although I have had formal feedback. Some is noted for minor amendments in the 2nd edition. Wonderful feedback brings me close to tears because what has come from my heart, seems to be received from another heart – which is a joy.