Barbara Taylor Bradford.

Novel Kicks talks to Barbara Taylor Bradford.

Barbara Taylor Bradford started writing fiction when she was seven years old and sold her first short story when she was ten. Her first novel, A Woman of Substance was published in 1979. She’s had 29 novels published including her latest book, Cavendon Hall released in January.

What do you think appeals to people when it comes to the saga? 

Someone once suggested that I write novels about large families because I am an only child. And my husband is an only child. But I don’t think this is really the reason. I love writing about large families because of the relationships, and the most terrible things happen in families. So I have plenty of drama, emotions, and intrigue to carry me through.

Is there an author you’d admire? 

I admire and have mostly been influenced by the classics: Dickens, the Bronte sisters, Thomas Hardy, and the French writer Collette.

Is there a fictional character you’d like to have a conversation with? 

Rhett Butler. One of the greatest leading men ever to have been dreamed up by a writer.

Do you plan beyond an outline or do you write as you go? 

I sit down and write an outline, and think everything out.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? 

My mentor Cornelius Ryan, historian of the Second World War, told me that if I wrote five pages a day every day for a year, I would get into the habit of doing it and would probably have over 400,000 words and the making of a novel. In other words, practice makes perfect.

What’s your advice to someone wanting to write a novel? 

To sit down and write an outline – once the story and the characters are clear, then the next thing to do is to actually write the book.

Which of your characters is your favourite and which book has had an impact on you?

I believe that an author always loves the first novel they have published. So I love A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE, but another favourite is THE WOMEN IN HIS LIFE. However, one of my most loved books is the one I enjoyed writing and have just published. It’s called CAVENDON HALL, and I think because the characters became so alive for me, they truly live on paper.

Where do you like to write? Do you like noise or silence? 

When I am writing a novel I work every day, approximately ten hours a day, seven days a week. I’m not actually writing for ten hours. I am thinking, researching, and editing as well. I take it very seriously and certainly I don’t wait for inspiration to strike. I’m a brand name and the book has to go in on time!

Cavendon Hall was released by Harper Collins and is available in hardback and e-book.

Barbara’s Website.

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.