THE RANDOM 19 QUESTIONS
The Random 19 with writer Louisa Adjoa Parker Louisa Adjoa Parker is a writer and poet of EnglishGhanaian heritage who Louisa Adjoa Parker lives in Dorset. Louisa has image: Robin Mills been highly commended by the Forward Prize; twice shortlisted by the Bridport Prize; and her grief poem, Kindness, was commended by the National Poetry Competition 2019. Louisa gained wide local attention in the summer of 2020 with her poem Dear White West Country People.
1. What’s your relationship with the Blackmore Vale (the area, not us!)? I have lived in West Dorset since I was 19 – North Dorset has always been the beautiful neighbour I can pop over and visit! 2. What was the last movie you watched? Would you recommend it? People Just Do Nothing: Big in Japan! People Just Doing Nothing is one of my favourite TV shows. I love the writing, the characters, the cringe comedy, even their story as actors. It was my first cinema trip for nearly two years, and it was a brilliant film. I’d recommend watching the TV shows first though! 3. What was the best thing before sliced bread? Books and the printing press, without a doubt!
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4. It’s Friday night - you have things. So I’d say to 15 yr old me: the house to yourself, and no “No matter what people say, you’re not fat. You’re not work is allowed. What are ugly. Things will get better. you going to do? Life is tough, it’s going to be Netflix and some prosecco! If challenging. But there we had a bath, I’d be in it, but we don’t at “No matter will be lots of joy too. in there, and just the moment. Soon, who tells you Hang keep going.” hopefully!
so, you’re not fat. You’re not ugly. Things will get better”
5. What would you like to tell 15yr old you? Oh. Okay. Well I had a tough childhood and a difficult adolescence. We moved to Paignton to be near my grandparents when parents split - I was 13, and sadly within a few weeks my granddad died. It was a tough time, and I really struggled as a teenager – especially being mixed race in Devon. I saw no-one who wasn’t white. I struggled to make sense of myself, I got into drinking, smoking, all the typical teen
6. What’s your secret superpower? Resilience. I’ve been through a lot of tough times, but I’ve learned to cope – and also to recognise when I’m not coping so well, and to look after myself. 7. What shop can you not pass without going in? I do love clothes, I love to take a look at what’s happening with the latest fashions. Oh, actually I really love a good health food shop. If I see one I’m in. Always free - subscribe here
