It’s that time again to celebrate all the best things from the past, as we step inside my time machine! This month, I am celebrating the wonderful memories that the incredible Scottish author Julie Shackman has to share with us! And boy, does she have some good nostalgic moments that you will all love reading about! Discover the wonders of her childhood here!

Good Morning Lovelies, 

It’s a well-known fact that I love everything about the past! After seeing Inside Out 2, I feel like I am the nostalgia emotional, mixed in with a big bit of anxiety and joy. This month, I am celebrating the past and how good it was with the brilliant author Julie Shackman, whose books make every season feel special.

From Sindy dolls to cheese toasties, you are going to be finding yourself rushing to watch Grease and Scooby Doo after reading about her amazing life…

Let’s begin by letting you introduce yourself to us? Tell us your name, age and the year you were born!

I'm Julie Shackman, aged 55 and I was born in 1969.   

Now, let’s step back in time! What year would you love to go back to and relive all over again?  

Oh that's a toughie. I don't know so much about a specific year, but the only time I would like to relive, is when my Mum was here. She was a wonderful, amazing woman and I still miss her so much.    

Okay, now picture this, you are at school and it’s lunchtime! What foods do you always associate with either your packed lunch or canteen?   

I used to always go home for lunch to my grandparents during the school day and I'd say toasted cheese!   

You’ve got to go into your last lesson of the day! What are you hoping it will be and why?   

I loved English at school and just loved creative writing, Shakespeare and reading, so definitely English.       

Schools over, you have rushed home to watch TV. What are you turning on? Why this show in particular? 

I remember dashing home to watch Scooby- Doo! I always thought Daphne was so glamorous and wanted to be like her. I think that series still resonates with a lot of people today.   

You’ve reached the weekend and you’re going to the cinema! What film do you remember seeing the most when you were younger? Why is this one such a classic to you? 

I remember going to see Grease with my Mum and thinking Oliva Newton John was great (especially after her makeover!) and that John Travolta was gorgeous. It was just so different, with fab music and was so bright and the dance sequences were terrific.  

You are back home and it’s time to play with your toys! What was the toy you most wanted when you were younger and why? Did you get it in the end?   

I always wanted the Sindy doll and yes, I got it. I also got her car, clothes and wardrobe. Again, she just seemed so glam and I would spend hours dressing her up.    

Is there anything you still own from your childhood that you simply cannot bear to part with? 

I still have a little cuddly bear that sucks his thumb, which I called Cuddles. I've still have him today somewhere.    

What moment in history do you think defined or stayed with you from your childhood? Can you explain why this left such a mark on you?   

I can remember the day Elvis passed away and my Mum crying. She was a massive fan and had all his records and kept a scrapbook about him. I remember hugging her and the news of his death being all across the TV and newspapers. It was horrible to see her so upset. 

Finally, would you go back and do your childhood all over again? Would you change anything about it? And how much has it impacted you as an adult and what you do now? 

No, I wouldn't. I had a terrific home life growing up, but I didn't enjoy my school days. I was bullied terribly. I can remember starting to feel more confident once I hit my late teens, but I don't think there's any point in looking back. You can't do anything about the past, but you can do something about the future.

What a fantastic message to end on! Make sure to follow Julie and check out her website to find out all about her published and upcoming novels! They are truly wonderful! 

Joey X