Today I'm thrilled to welcome back to my blog for a chat and news of her latest book, fellow Crooked Cat Publishing author Sarah Louise Smith...
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I've been writing stories since I was a kid, but I suppose I
had a ‘wake up’ moment when I was about 21. I decided that this hobby I enjoyed
so much could potentially be turned into a career if I worked hard enough at
it. It took me another ten years after that to complete a novel though!
How long does it take you to write the first rough draft of
one of your books?
A few months, but it’s very rough and probably only half the
total word count. The whole process takes me about six months.
Do you prefer to write with pen and paper or straight to the
computer?
I’m a fast typist so I tend to always use my computer – my
posture is terrible though so I need to pay more attention to that, I’m at risk
of damaging my wrists! There is something quite nice about putting pen to paper
though and I love to write with pens as often as I can – even lists, greetings
cards, notes – I love writing!
Do you plan a plot out in great detail before writing or
start with the basics and let the book evolve that way?
I used to delve into it and see what happened but that took
me a long time and often I’d get bored and start a new story. Now I plan a
basic plot out from beginning to end, but that’s very tentative and gets
changed as the characters develop. Having a draft plot keeps me on track
though.
Do you ever get part way through writing a book and find the
characters are leading the story off in a different direction to how you had
envisaged?
Yes, definitely – in Izzy’s Cold Feet I had a totally
different ending planned and as for Independent Jenny, I really didn’t know who
I wanted her to end up with for sure until I’d written the last few chapters… I
kept changing my mind but Jenny decided who she wanted!
Who is your favourite character from all the books you have
written and why?
I’m rather partial to all my female leads, but my favourite
right now is Shane – Jenny’s best friend in Independent Jenny. He’s fun,
supportive and a fantastic friend. I want him in my life!
Is there such a thing as an average writing day for you and
if so what is it?
I am not one of those writers who gets up and write a little
each day. I don’t write for two weeks, then I’ll get up early one Saturday and
write for 12 hours straight without stopping. It’s lucky I don’t live alone as
I depend on my husband to keep me watered and fed on those days. I get so
absorbed into what I’m doing, and end up de-hydrated! Other days I will just
write or edit a little here and there, but the majority gets done on these full-on
days.
How do you create the characters in your books?
I always try to make my characters normal, and very
conversational with the reader. I prefer to write in the first person and so
really want the reader to get to know my characters. With Independent Jenny,
Jenny finds out her husband has cheated on her in the first chapter, and
shortly afterwards discovers that her brother-in-law has a thing for her. She
goes through a roller-coaster of emotions and I’ve wanted her personality to
come through while at the same time demonstrating how she’s feeling and coping
and what she’s thinking. One of the characters I enjoyed creating most though
was her friend Hayley – she’s spontaneous and a bit wild and has her own
adventure in the book – she could be a main character in another book someday,
she’s got her own tales to tell for sure!
What is your favourite book of all time?
I’m a huge Jane Austen fan – Pride & Prejudice. I’ve
read it over and over. The first, and best, in romantic comedy/chick-lit!
What is your favourite film of all time?
So many… Love Actually, The Holiday, Definitely Maybe, Dirty
Dancing… I also like a bit of Quentin Tarantino, and pretty much anything with
Leonardo DiCaprio!
Biggest myth about being a novelist?
That I’m rolling in money!
Advice to aspiring novelists?
Write, write, write – you have to work hard, but it’s worth
it!
****
Sarah's third novel Independent Jenny is released on September 17th, here's a sneak peek...
About Independent
Jenny:
“I slept with someone else.”
Those five words changed everything.
Those five words changed everything.
After her husband Ross drops a bombshell, Jenny’s emotions
go hay-wire. Things are made even more complex when his brother Aiden makes a
confession of his own…
A holiday escape with her friend Hayley seems the perfect
way to figure out what – and who – she wants. But Hayley has a hidden motive
that results in Jenny spending time with her ex-boyfriend Will, who is now
married.
Should Jenny forgive Ross? Can she ignore her feelings for
romantic Aiden? And why can’t she get Will out of her head?
One thing is for sure: Jenny doesn’t want to be alone.
Surely any man is better than no man, right?
About Sarah Louise
Smith:
Sarah Louise Smith lives in Milton Keynes, UK, with her
husband, a cute cat and a loopy golden retriever. She has an extremely lovely
step-daughter and spends most of her free time writing, reading, cooking, and
taking long walks.
She’s the author of three chick-lit novels: Amy & Zach,
Izzy’s Cold Feet, and Independent Jenny, all published by Crooked Cat.
Sarah’s website/blog: www.sarahlouisesmith.com
You can purchase paperbacks or e-versions from all the usual
online book sellers.
Follow Sarah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahSmith16
Find Sarah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahlouisesmithauthor
Thanks so much for the great interview Zanna :)
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