Meredith Goldstein

Meredith Goldstein is an advice columnist and entertainment reporter for The Boston Globe. The Wedding Guests (released by Penguin,) is her debut novel. We met up with Meredith at Penguin HQ in London. We asked her about her favorite novel, which character from fiction she’d like to meet and her advice for new writers.

How did you begin the process of writing The Wedding Guests?

I started with Rob first and wrote his story from start to finish  – almost like a short story. As I think with a lot of first time writers, I then realized nothing was in the present tense…

If you could do anything differently, what would it be?

I would put more fiction in my fiction. It’s counter intuitive as a journalist to lie.

What comes first, the characters or the plot?

The characters come first. You should write characters that you and your readers will be rooting for.

What part of the writing process do you find the most difficult?

Editing. I also find endings difficult to write and action scenes challenging.

Any writing rituals or quirks?

Like Hannah in the book, I cast the characters as I’m writing. I imagined Robert Pattinson for Rob and then the character seemed to come alive in my head and Rob seemed to then take on his own personality.

What are your favourite books?

Hotel New Hampshire by John Irving is my favourite book. I also recommend Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler and Maira Kalman and Tigerlily by Jodi Lynn Anderson.

Are you working on anything at the moment?

My second book is about love and breakup and how it impacts. It is from one rather than from multiple points of view.

Where do you write? Do you prefer noise or silence?

I used to be cafes etc. but I now write at home. I used to write with the TV on but I now write in silence.

Is there anything about being a writer that didn’t meet your expectations?

Working at the Boston Globe is very interactive. However, once the book is written, you’re not as much a part of it once it’s finished. Being a writer can be a little lonely.

Is there a character from fiction you’d like to meet?

 Christian Grey – to be able to ask him “what the hell is up with that.”

I’d like to meet Stephanie Mayer. I would love to read New Moon from Edward’s perspective, as he’s absent for most of the current book. Where did he go? What did he do?

Do you have any advice for new writers?

Your first book is probably not as terrible as you think.

Don’t be afraid to write what you know.

Write what you love.

Reach out to other writers.

Having a blog can be very helpful.

For more information about Meredith, visit her website.

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Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.