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I often get asked the following questions so I thought I would share the answers with you.......... When did you start writing?
I’ve always scribbled! I remember surreptitiously writing stories instead of attending during French class (and having to spend detention translating my story into French when I was caught!) Before that, I used make up tales which I recounted to friends in the playground. I sent off one short story to a teenage magazine, who replied with a very gentle rejection letter. I really began writing in earnest when I gave up work to have my first child - it seemed the perfect opportunity to finish some of the stories that had been in my head for so long - and I was lucky enough to have the first three published within two years.
Where do you get your ideas?
Everywhere! News stories, legends, parties - there’s usually some little incident that triggers the “what if” question, and that can lead to a full-blown story. Places like Dunstanburgh Castle in Northumberland (see picture on the right) always start me thinking of new stories.
How do you write?
I always put down my first ideas and then the first draft on paper, usually with a pencil. Then I transfer the first draft to the word processor, editing as I go, and after that I write and edit the document as many times as I think necessary. Sometimes whole chunks will have to be removed or re-written.
Do you only write historical novels?
Only my historicals have been published so far. I have written some contemporary, novels and maybe one day they will come out of the bottom drawer and into print!
Does living in such a beautiful landscape inspire you?
It's a mixed blessing. Although I find the magnificent Pennine countryside inspiring, sometimes it's too easy just to gaze out of the window instead of getting on with my work! In fact, when I started writing we were living in a modern three-bedroom house and I used to work in the spare room, where my desk was surrounded by storage boxes. Once I am absorbed in a novel I don't notice my surroundings, although it can get very cold sitting still for hours on end.
How long does it take to write a book?
How long's a piece of string! Some ideas can be maturing for months or even niggling away for years, but the actual writing of the book can take anything from 4 months to a year.
What do you need to be a successful writer?
Focus, determination, and the ability to work for very long hours for the sheer love of it! |
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