Novel Kicks Chats With William Thacker

Charm Offensive was published by Legend Press in March 2014.

William is an author and scriptwriter and this book is his debut novel. We chat with him about Charm Offensive, his writing rituals and his favourite word.

Can you tell us about Charm Offensive?

It’s a contemporary novel about a retired politician’s recovery from a scandal. It contains tragedy and comedy – two of my favourite bedfellows.

Which authors do you admire?

I admire many of the novelists and playwrights who are closely associated with the 1930s and 1940s – the likes of Steinbeck, Orwell and the neglected-until-recently Patrick Hamilton. I admire the moral integrity to their works which came amid economic depression and war. They had soul as well as style. I once wrote my dissertation on the great American playwrights – Arthur Miller, Eugene O’Neill and Tennessee Williams – for the same reasons.

Out of all the books you’ve read, is there one that’s stuck with you?

Patrick Hamilton’s Hangover Square was a big deal for me. I connect with it partly because he’s writing about some of the places I know, but also because I appreciate big ideas in small, claustrophobic confines (pubs, boarding houses, tea rooms) and I think Hamilton balances the macro and micro better than most.

What’s your favourite word?

Gnarly.

Is there a fictional character you’d like to meet?

Miss Havisham. We could go swing dancing.

Who would you invite to fantasy dinner party?

Michael Gove so I could slap him in the face.

Do you plan and do you edit as you go?

I don’t plan enough, but I’m becoming more pragmatic – spreadsheets and the like. I’m a believer in the ‘writing is re-writing’ principle, so whilst I certainly edit as I go, the important part is pressing the reset button and writing afresh.

Do you have any writing rituals?

My writing space tends to be train carriages, so I owe a great deal to First Capital Connect and the London Underground. I don’t get along with desks and computers. I keep a notebook in my breast pocket – like a detective – and I tend to whip it out when no one’s watching.

Follow William on Twitter.

Charm Offensive is available to buy in paperback and e-book. Published by Legend Press. £7.99.

by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.