Inspirational Ladies: Amanda Brunker Interview - "The harder I work, the luckier I become......."
Amanda Brunker. We all know her as a former Miss Ireland, a model, a party girl on the Dublin social scene, a columnist for the Irish Sunday World, a TV presenter and now of course a writer. But underneath the glam and the image there's a woman who has proved herself as a driving force to be reckoned with. With 3 bestselling books under her belt and more on the way, she has taken any negativity in her stride and used it as a tool to succeed. She may smoulder in front of the camera, but off glam duty, Amanda is a mother of two and a wife who juggles her hectic work life around her family. A small town girl from Dublin, Amanda Brunker has made her name known on Irish shores with her charm and down to earth attitude - I spoke with her to find out the Skinni on what it's like to be in her shoes..................
You're an author, a columnist and a mother - where do you get the time to fit everything in?
"I'm a workaholic and I eat my breakfast and lunch at my computer. But I do have the luxury of working at home, so I can be around my kids and coordinate the house while I'm dreaming up wild adventures for my fictional divas. Multi-tasking is something I do on an hourly-basis : )"
How did you get your first break into media? And when did you think, ‘right, this is what I want to do'?
"I began modelling at the age of 15. Won Miss Ireland at 17 and the rest as they say is history. Apart from strutting my stuff around the world in bikini's, my biggest break happened when I was asked to write for the Sunday World. I was working as a hostess in the VIP club Renards when my old boss asked me, "Fancy joining the biggest selling newspaper in the country?" Considering it was 2am on a Saturday night I presumed he was kidding. Eleven years as a senior features writer proves that he was not!"
You've said before that when you first decided to write a book people didn't take you seriously and said it would never work - most people would have given up there and then - what was it that pushed you further?
"Other people's negativity is a great motivator for me. I love to prove people wrong. If someone tells me, "That's not how we do things," or, "That's not how it's done," I'm like, ‘Right, we'll see about that!'I'm a big believer that the greatest obstacles are just those in your head. My favourite motto is, ‘The harder I work, the luckier I become.'"
You've led an interesting few years to date, from being crowned Miss Ireland to becoming an author - have your experiences and the people you've met influenced your Champagne Books?
"Absolutely. But it's not just the big events in my life that inspire me. I could walk to the local shops to buy a newspaper and come across a person who would inspire a new character or chain of events."
What words of wisdom would you give to anybody that wants follow in your footsteps in writing?
"Just do it... Though don't fooled into thinking that it's easy. You've got to dedicate yourself 100% to the project. But if you start and get bored, or maybe lose your faith in your writing, shelve it for a little while, never dump it. Then give yourself some space and open it up again at a later date. You'll be amazed at how you'll see it in a different light. And how new directions and story lines can arise."
What are your favourite beauty products of the moment?
"I have several. Right now I'm loving the Óg Ireland Exfoliator, available on line to keep me looking fresh. Clarins Multi-Active Day cream. Witch Stick to zap my spots. Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Colour treatment for my hair. Batiste dry shampoo for my handbag and Top Image Instant Liquid Tan that gives me an all-over glow is seconds!"
How would you describe your style?
"Casual, comfortable and when I make the effort, rock chick! I'm a real jeans and t-shirt kind of girl. Though I love to vamp it up with sexy STILT like shoes and mini skirts and dresses."
Who inspires you?
"Innovators, inventors and those who strive to be different. Some people lead, some people follow. I've always liked doing my own thing and I'm not afraid to be seen as different or an outsider. I'm a big fan of the artist Damien Hurst. And I'm very proud to say he came to my 30th birthday party and drew me a present, which I have framed on my wall. He has defied all the rules to become the most successful living artist ever. I love his creative genius and his business mind."
What's next for Amanda Brunker?
"Another book and a play. Both of which need to be written by the end of 2010. Arghhh!Really excited about them though... The idea of being described as a playwright is such a buzz. Writing or writers block is never a problem for me. Just actually finding the time to write is the problem!"
Amanda's Champagne Secrets is available to buy now!
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