Interview with a Vamp

Q:  Why is a blonde's brain the size of a pea in the morning?

A:  It swells during the night.

Everybody knows a blonde joke.  Blondes are supposed to be fun-loving and blondes are supposed to be dumb.  Deb Murarenko is a blonde.  Anybody who has come into contact with Deb through Hubpages or met her tending sheep and riding roos in the Outback somewhere, will tell you that one thing Deb is not, is dumb.  Deb Murarenko AKA Blondepoet is one very smart cookie.  So smart in fact, that she has just completed her first book.  Not chic lit or some other kind of fluff.  Deb has written a book of poetry, serious inspirational poetry.  Mind-blowing stuff, proof that Deb has a sharp intellect and isn't just a run-of-the-mill dumb blonde.

Over a couple of glasses, or maybe bottles of vino collapso from some obscure Australian Vineyard where they desperately try and grow grapes that'll produce the same quality wine as a South African wine, Deb and I had a chance to chat.  Isn't Skype wonderful!  We were even able to toast each other on our success and clink glasses.  Oops, is that what the crack is on my screen!  Anyway, I was able to ask Deb a few questions, and although at the end it was difficult to hear what she was saying as she was slurring, or maybe my headphones fell off and I didn't realise, must have been that cheap Australian plonk she persuaded me to gulp down.  Her answers proved to me, that this blonde is no bimbo.

Deb, what inspired you to write this book?

For every experience I go through in my life, I write about that experience in poetry form. When I was a little girl I was brought up in a dysfunctional home, where my mother was abusive, and my father was distant. I would lock myself in my room each night, and write my feelings down. The paper was my friend. Before I turned eighteen I had been raped, institutionalised in a mental ward by my mother, on death's door with anorexia nervosa as well as having survived more than a dozen suicide attempts. One night, I stopped breathing, on a tiny white bed in a hospital room, weighing only 30 kilograms. Next minute I was looking down at myself from above,and with fear in my heart I whispered, "God please save me I don't want to die."

From that point on I changed my life around, 360 degrees. I am a person now who has guts, an abundant love in my heart, an abilty to forgive anything or anyone. I wanted this book to inspire others and to give hope to people who think they can't do it. I wanted people to know no matter what you have been through or what holds you back, there is a strength inside everyone of us, that has the power to conquer anything and everything. Every poem I have ever written has built strength in me as well.

How long did it take you to write, and did you find it difficult considering what a busy woman you are.

I started this book around five years ago. I am a chief procrastinator, I have never really finished anything I started. I would get into putting the book together, then go off on another tangent, forgetting about my book. Deep down inside I did not believe in myself that I would ever have the abilty to finish it. Around six months ago, I said to myself, "Deb you can do this, no matter what you are going to do it." It worked and for those six months, I have poured my heart into getting it all finished, no matter what my mind was telling me.

Can you tell us in as many words as you like, a little on the poems included in this wonderful book.

My book is meant to inspire anyone, not just those who have had major issues in their lives. There is hope for those who are suffering grief, anger,loss, lonliness, broken relationships,low self esteem, pride, unforgiveness,abuse,rape,eating disorders, or to anyone who has a heart inside.

In the book I have sections titled "Thoughts for your heart" which appear often, giving us inspiring thoughts to think on as well.

My aim is for people to know this; "No matter how dark it may seem, no matter what is holding you back in life, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for all of us, we just have to see it."

How long ago was it published?

Around two weeks ago. I am awaiting the proof copy to arrive in the mail, and then the book will be fully approved, to be able to be distributed through numerous book shops on the net. At the moment it is only available form Lulu.

You must feel a great sense of achievement to see your book in print, how does it make you feel to see your book?

I am like a bubble ready to pop at any point from the joy of finally seeing my book in print. I cannot describe the overwhelming feeling I have. I close my eyes and whisper, "I did it, I finished this.I can do anything now."

Do you feel comic writing is another great talent, you have such a natural ability to make us laugh with the hilarious articles you have written here on Hubpages?

When I was 19, I did my Diploma in Acting, as I have always been a show girl inside, and acting has been my passion. I have a natural air of humour about me, which has landed me many comedy roles. I have been typecast as the blonde bimbo, the over the top show girl, the exotic dancer, the loud mouth, and you know what, I love it as I have been told I am funny, even when I am not trying to be. I am dubbed the "Drama Queen", by anyone who meets me, as my enthusiasm, my over the top personality knocks them all down dead lol. I think when I am not writing poetry, I am more suited to writing comedy for sure.

How would you describe yourself to someone, who say does not know you?

I would have to say extremely optimistic, fun loving, kind, insane, compassionate and someone who is straight to the point, although that often gets me in trouble. The most important one I would have to say is that I am a free spirit, I run in the rain, act on impulse, ignore what others think of me, and live my life with a passion. I never ever will go backwards to where I have come from, there is only darkness there, so every day I just keep pushing forward.

Can you tell us a little about yourself, for example on what you do for a living, a little on the background on Blondepoet, the great lady whom we have come to hold so dear in our hearts?

I do and have done a little of everything including performing in theatre resturaunts,live theatre, I have done television commercials, modelling, one Australian movie, hairdressing, nails, makeup for television and film the list goes on. When I arrived in Toowoomba (yes there is really a place called that!) I landed the role as Dazz Daisy, by a production company who wanted us to be bigger than the Wiggles. Thank God no-one recognised me with that green body suit, those 2 feet petals around my head and those ten feet curly shoes. As Dazz, I sang and performed to crowds of children. I forgot to tell you I also sing and dance. I am thinking of doing a HUb with one of my songs, note am thinking lol.

What advice would you give to someone out there with a dream to write a book, but unsure whether to do it or not.

Do it, don't hesitate. I read once that Stephen King got knocked back so many times with his books before one person finally said yes. Can you imagine if he had given up, after so many rejections. If writing is your passion I urge you write your book, ignore the negative things your mind will tell you and just do it,

What are some of the things that make you laugh?

I find people with a dry sense of humour, just like yours Cindy, to be so funny. Other things I laugh at are the sily things I do, a good joke, English comedies, strange windy sounds around me, oh boy to cut this short I practically laugh at anything. If you ever speak to me in person, you will find I am constantly laughing, my humour is alays landing me in trouble, but hey that's me.

So if people belch and fart around you, you won't be offended, you'll laugh?

Yes, I guess that's part of growing up in Aussie, we are really free spirits and let out our spirits when the need arises.

Where can us readers find your book, to be able to grab a copy for ourselves?

At the moment it is only available here http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/after-the-storm-there-is-sunlight/7098911. In 4- 6 weeks it will go to Amazon and other online bookstores. It is also going to be available in bookstores in my country.

 Joking aside, Deb's book is brilliant.  I was very privileged enough to get the opportunity to read it and I was amazed at the depth and insights of her poetry.  It definitely gives you a different side to Blondepoet.

The description on Lulu.com:  This book is all about hope and change, through the tremendous power of love and concern. It questions our morals and values, inspires our dreams and calms our spirit. Everybody feels pain, experiences negativities in life, shelters sadness and despair, and harbors various kinds of unwanted feelings. We cannot be totally protected against these elements; life is unpredictable, casting blows in the darkness of the night even on the most vigilant. This book will inspire you, and strengthen you, to be able to live the best possible life you deserve to live. No matter how dark it may seem, no matter what is holding you back in life, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for all of us, we just have to see it.

My review I wrote:  Deb is a survivor. Whatever life has thrown at her, she's come out on top, ready to live another day. Through all her hardships in life, and traumas she's faced, Deb used poetry to lift her mood and bring her back to the light. After the storm there is sunlight is a great book to read when you need to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Deb's poetry will move you and encourage you and definitely inspire you. Definitely a book to keep by your bedside.