Lindsay WINCHERAUK
author
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Q1
Are you an optimistic or pessimistic person?
A
I like to think: I’m an optimist. Individually, of course. Globally, not so much, that’s if I watch too much news. It’s imperative if you want to sport a positive outlook, find a way to turn off the noise bombarding us 24/7.
Us humans are all dealt vastly different life-cards. If you are fortunate, born into privilege, with not a care in the world—and are dealt four-aces, king-high—there is no guarantee you’ll live a life of fulfilment.
Or, if the dealer slides you a treacherous hand: 8-high, with trials and tribulations around every corner—it doesn’t mean you’ll live a life overflowing with misery.
My cards have been delightfully mixed. I’m lucky. I believe optimism or pessimism is born out of the filters we choose to look at life through. Select a dark + gloomy screen, guess what: regardless of the luck of the draw, you’re being is likely to be draped in darkness.
Pick a cheerful outlook: life may still, suck, and filled to the brim with challenges; but LIGHT brings hope. At least, people won’t scatter when they see you coming because you believe the world owes you something.
I suggest:
Us humans are all dealt vastly different life-cards. If you are fortunate, born into privilege, with not a care in the world—and are dealt four-aces, king-high—there is no guarantee you’ll live a life of fulfilment.
Or, if the dealer slides you a treacherous hand: 8-high, with trials and tribulations around every corner—it doesn’t mean you’ll live a life overflowing with misery.
My cards have been delightfully mixed. I’m lucky. I believe optimism or pessimism is born out of the filters we choose to look at life through. Select a dark + gloomy screen, guess what: regardless of the luck of the draw, you’re being is likely to be draped in darkness.
Pick a cheerful outlook: life may still, suck, and filled to the brim with challenges; but LIGHT brings hope. At least, people won’t scatter when they see you coming because you believe the world owes you something.
I suggest:
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Q2
What are your passions?
A
Creating things. I breathe writing and photography, and oxygen. I love trying to come up with fresh ideas. It is a wicked adventure cultivating this talent. Now, the key is to make a living at it. For those who support me. I love you. I do. To those who have turned your backs; hopefully, one day, you evolve.
Part of the evolution can start with the purchase of my meta-memoir:
Part of the evolution can start with the purchase of my meta-memoir:
Okay, I know most of you have never met me, so, you couldn’t possibly have turned your backs on me, thank you for that. I still want you to pick up a copy of my book!
Q3
In the book you uncover devastating family news. When asked about your family, how do you manage when someone asks about your brothers and sisters?
A
Wait a second—let me grab my flip charts.
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I woke up one day to find my reality had changed.
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That lasted for all of six months. My alarm rang.
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Hold your horses that would be too boring.
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I beg whoever’s in charge: dropping down to my knees, reaching to the heavens above: please don’t let her be my sister.
Could you imagine?
Confused?
Could you imagine?
Confused?
Q4
With the confusing nature of your family history do you ever feel alone in the world?
A
I feel lost at times. I never really had a feeling of belonging. I fit in everywhere, while at the same time: I don’t fit in anywhere. I like individuals—not groups. Strangely, though, I love bringing people together—in groups.
What the hell, does that say about me?
What the hell, does that say about me?
Q5
DRIVING IN REVERSE sends readers on a confusing journey, where who (?) you are becoming, springs into question, including what your background may be, do you have any idea of the origins of your ancestors?
A
When truth-be-told: I had no bleeping idea of my background. I could be (Jamaican), (Korean), Italian, Persian, British—nobody in my family came forth and enlightened me.
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Being a Brit removed the explanation for my ample eyebrows. When I was Eastern European, my luscious brows made sense.
Simplicity, would be lovely?
In my next book, tentatively titled PLAY—there’s a chance: I may receive news debunking my British Roots.
I sure hope I become--
Simplicity, would be lovely?
In my next book, tentatively titled PLAY—there’s a chance: I may receive news debunking my British Roots.
I sure hope I become--
Q6
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A
I wanted to be a professional football player (North American).
Instead, I pursued golf. I was pretty good. I once won my division at a Junior tournament.
Nobody noticed (family).
So, I started playing baseball. I was an All-Star and City Champion.
Nobody noticed.
So, I started playing tennis.
Nobody noticed.
I tried out for football. I was good. I was on a Provincial + a National Championship Team. I hold the record for the longest pass in league history. I’m blind in one eye. Imagine, a one-eyed record-holding quarterback, and you’d be imagining me!
Nobody noticed.
After my games, my father boasted of his son Don. My name is Lindsay.
I followed the same program in school: excel one year; almost fail-out the next; excel, struggle—I’m not bitter. Maybe a bit.
If my family had been paying attention, I likely wouldn’t be who I am today—and, I wouldn’t have found the strength to tell this story.
Instead, I pursued golf. I was pretty good. I once won my division at a Junior tournament.
Nobody noticed (family).
So, I started playing baseball. I was an All-Star and City Champion.
Nobody noticed.
So, I started playing tennis.
Nobody noticed.
I tried out for football. I was good. I was on a Provincial + a National Championship Team. I hold the record for the longest pass in league history. I’m blind in one eye. Imagine, a one-eyed record-holding quarterback, and you’d be imagining me!
Nobody noticed.
After my games, my father boasted of his son Don. My name is Lindsay.
I followed the same program in school: excel one year; almost fail-out the next; excel, struggle—I’m not bitter. Maybe a bit.
If my family had been paying attention, I likely wouldn’t be who I am today—and, I wouldn’t have found the strength to tell this story.
Q7
You were an All-Star and City Champion in baseball, why did you quit playing?
A
Because, I look kind of stupid in hats.
Q8
You speak to your “father” for the first time in your book. The conversation is heart-wrenching. Is there anything from the discussion that resonated loudly?
A
I was created on a night when my mother and father were ripping drunk. I’m not sure what the point of telling me was—adults are odd. Some things are best left unsaid.
Q9
What is the most valuable lesson you learned during the writing of your memoir?
A
Life is precious. We all have stories to share, stories connecting us to one another. What I learned: Never diminish another person’s life experiences.
Q10
What did you edit out?
A
Another memoir.
Q11
What makes your life fascinating to other people?
A
That’s the biggest challenge for every memoirist: How do you make people you’ve never met become interested in a story of someone they likely don’t know?
My memoir is in the words of my fantastic editor:
My memoir is in the words of my fantastic editor:
Provocative – Playful – Edgy – Disturbing – Disruptive
It is; pardon the cliché: STRANGER THAN FICTION.
In the book, I drop my ego and become vulnerable by inviting readers into my life. If you’re reading it for entertainment purposes, I’m confident; like your favourite binge-watched Netflix series—the story contains elements that will jump off the page—leaving you laughing, gasping, and shouting at the at-times: terrible choices, I've made. But, at the same time, hopefully: cheering for me to be OKAY!
I am confident; every reader will be able to relate to my narrative. Most people have endured family dysfunction, found and lost loves, dealt with illness (Cancer), or have family secrets which have smeared identities leaving some devastated.
My realities were on hyper-drive. Many people have a closet-full of skeletons—mine…maybe-two. Anyway, my journey let’s readers know you can survive; and you’re not alone.
And besides, I beat David Duchovny at basketball and; I had a chance meeting with the Dali Lama!
In the book, I drop my ego and become vulnerable by inviting readers into my life. If you’re reading it for entertainment purposes, I’m confident; like your favourite binge-watched Netflix series—the story contains elements that will jump off the page—leaving you laughing, gasping, and shouting at the at-times: terrible choices, I've made. But, at the same time, hopefully: cheering for me to be OKAY!
I am confident; every reader will be able to relate to my narrative. Most people have endured family dysfunction, found and lost loves, dealt with illness (Cancer), or have family secrets which have smeared identities leaving some devastated.
My realities were on hyper-drive. Many people have a closet-full of skeletons—mine…maybe-two. Anyway, my journey let’s readers know you can survive; and you’re not alone.
And besides, I beat David Duchovny at basketball and; I had a chance meeting with the Dali Lama!
Q12
You mention you had umpteen adult surgeries, is there one that stands out more than the others?
A
One time when being wheeled into the operating room, for knee surgery; it might have been exploratory (undecipherable) surgery. Anyway, rounding the last corner before the OR, sat a nurse, she was tickling the ivories (piano)—I kid you not. I writhed in pain. The nurse caught my glance. She looked deeply into my soulful brown eyes and asked:
Do you have any last requests?
Repeat: I kid you--
Do you have any last requests?
Repeat: I kid you--
Q13
Do you have other writing projects in the works?
A
Sharing my story has been a cathartically, joyful, frustrating, experience. I wouldn’t wish writing upon anyone.
I can’t escape it. I must write. Life keeps ticking. I have a VOICE. I want to shout out loudly. I’ve been (cursed) blessed. When I go to the store, shit happens.
My answer: I have completed several books (revision process about to begin).
I can’t escape it. I must write. Life keeps ticking. I have a VOICE. I want to shout out loudly. I’ve been (cursed) blessed. When I go to the store, shit happens.
My answer: I have completed several books (revision process about to begin).
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Q14
How do you think your family will feel if they read your memoir?
A
I don’t know. I think some: will be hurt. That is not my intention.
DRIVING IN REVERSE - THE LIFE I ALMOST MISSED - is much larger than family.
I hope they understand THAT. We’re not the only family where dark secrets chipped away at the familial core.
Maybe, they won’t care.
I hope they are all well!
Maybe, they won’t care.
I hope they are all well!
DRIVING IN REVERSE - THE LIFE I ALMOST MISSED - is much larger than family.
I hope they understand THAT. We’re not the only family where dark secrets chipped away at the familial core.
Maybe, they won’t care.
I hope they are all well!
Maybe, they won’t care.
I hope they are all well!
Q15
DRIVING IN REVERSE - THE LIFE I ALMOST MISSED - is a heart-breaking, unique, hilarious, and atmospheric story—written in a fresh narrative style. At times the story will make readers gasp in disbelief.
It begs the question: How could you possibly be okay?
Are you okay?
It begs the question: How could you possibly be okay?
Are you okay?
A
See: Question 1.
I’m grateful for who I’ve become.
Most days: I choose to view the world through a bright filter.
One of the best days of my life was the day I accepted the little boy trying desperately to fit into the picture (the books cover) has turned into a kind, caring man—despite my many flaws and challenges. When that day came, I realised: nobody can take that away from me, I want to bring light.
YES, is the answer.
I belong.
Everyone belongs.
We are all connected.
I’m grateful for who I’ve become.
Most days: I choose to view the world through a bright filter.
One of the best days of my life was the day I accepted the little boy trying desperately to fit into the picture (the books cover) has turned into a kind, caring man—despite my many flaws and challenges. When that day came, I realised: nobody can take that away from me, I want to bring light.
YES, is the answer.
I belong.
Everyone belongs.
We are all connected.
SEND ME AN EMAIL: lindsaywin@outlook.com
