Lucinda Riley

Lucinda is the author of Hothouse Flower and her latest, The Girl On The Cliff was released in October 2011. Lucinda very kindly answered some writing related questions including what her route to publication was like and the best thing about being a writer.

What was your route to publication?

I wrote eight books before under a different name, had too many kids to continue writing. When the ‘baby’ had started school, I felt the ‘urge’ again. I showed no-one until I’d finished, gave it to my old agent under my ‘real’ name and prayed. Luckily, Penguin bought it very quickly.

Describe your typical writing day.

I strap on my trusty, ancient dictaphone and vomit into it until I’m so exhausted I’m falling over.

What planning do you do before starting a writing project?

I simply get inspired by a location that begins the process. I chose a time-period, do minimal research as I don’t want  the plot to be ‘swayed’ by the background history, and set off. The characters lead me from there so I make no ‘plans’.

How do you approach editing?

Having ‘vomited’ profusely into my Dictaphone, what comes back is a horrible mess. But in there somewhere are the characters and a story. Fishing it out is the real work. I edited my last book at least 20 times – over and over until it was as perfect as I could get it. I’m anal about punctuation.

Someone new to your novels, can you briefly describe your writing style?

I suppose I’d call it ‘accessible’. I’m trying to tell a story, rather than write a literary masterpiece, so that takes precedence. I want to tell the story as eloquently and evocatively as I can, but not spend half a page describing a rusting gate.

What’s the biggest thing you’ve learnt since becoming a writer?

That discipline is everything. You can be the greatest wordsmith on the planet, but if they don’t make it to the page, forget it.

The best/worst thing about writing?

The worst thing is that it’s so solitary. My day is spent in an imaginary world that I can’t share with anyone. And of course ‘delegation’ is never an option if you are ‘off sick’ with a cold. The best thing is the euphoric (and rare) moment when the characters create a brilliant and unexpected ‘plot’ moment that was completely unplanned.

Is there an author you particularly admire?

F. Scott Fitzgerald. I’ve just re-read all his books and I aspire to write like him. He defined an ‘era’ and combined lyrical prose with great thought-provoking stories.

Is there a published book you wish you’d written?

‘The Great Gatsby’.

Which three books have made the biggest impact on you?

The above.

Madame Bovary

Wuthering Heights

Which character from fiction would you most like to meet?

 Jay Gatsby

Which three things would you take to a deserted island?

My family

My earplugs

A vast barrel of rose wine

Who would your ideal dinner guests be?

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Jesus

Gary Barlow

Any tips for new writers?

Simple: Once you begin, don’t stop until you get to the end.

The End!

For more information about Lucinda and her books, click here

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by

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.