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 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.