ποΈ Maureen Bowden β An interview with the author of Jigsaw

Are you a big fan of jigsaw puzzles?
I donβt have enough time in the day to do them now but I used to enjoy them very much. I found them a relaxing escape from the stress and anxieties of todayβs troubled world and thereβs something magical about the emergence of a beautiful picture.
Did you ever run away as a child?
No. I was born and raised in Liverpool and I frequently run back there. I love Anglesey, where I now live but thereβs no place on Earth like βThe Pool.β
Do you have any children of your own?
Yes. My husband and I have a biological son and daughter and an adopted daughter; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandsons. If all goes well thereβll be another great-grandchild in October. Weβre all hoping for a girl this time.
If so, have they ever run away from home?
No. Weβre stuck with them, but the families all have their own homes now, of course.
If you were to live in the craft centre in Laurel Tree, what do you think your βjobβ or contribution to the commune would be?
Iβd write songs for my husband to sing for the visitors, accompanying himself on one of his many guitars.
How many times has this story been rejected by other markets?
None. You folk were the first to see it.
Whatβs a great short story youβve read recently?
βTightening the Knotβ by Richard E. Schell. Itβs featured in the January 2026 edition of βShelter of Daylightβ available from βHiraeth Booksβ website. It touched a nerve with me.
What book are you reading right now?
βUnrulyβ by David Mitchell. Itβs the history of Britain. Itβs hysterically funny and absolutely true.
Do you have anything else youβd like to share?
Watch out for βThe Sound of Gematriaβ by my friend Judith Field. Itβs available on Amazon and itβs a super scary, sad and funny book. Iβm not saying that just because sheβs my friend.