Freya North

Freya North

Freya North is the author of Pillow Talk, Love Rules and Rumours. Freya talks to us about her best writing moment so far, what makes her happy and which celebrity she wants doing her washing up….

Can you describe your writing day?

I have to cram it between school runs – and I never work weekends. If I’m distracted at home, I take myself off to the local library to work.

Are any of your novels/characters based on you or people you know?

On the whole, no – though the pen is mightier than the sword so if people doublecross me or my family, I have my revenge! Occasionally, I auction a cameo appearance to raise money for charity.

Are you a planner?

No. Never. I’m only about a chapter ahead of my characters.

Do you edit as you go along or wait for a complete draft?

Yes, I have drafts 1 and 2 side by side, cutting and pasting the previous day’s draft 1 work into draft 2, then editing there.

Are you working on anything at the moment?

I’m always working on something! I’m writing my 13th novel at the mo’ – set in Derbyshire with some of my previous characters popping up. It’s nice for me to see them again!

What makes you happy/laugh?

Living rurally with my two extraordinary children and a clutch of close friends makes me happy. Californication and Entourage – and anything starring Paul Rudd – make me laugh.

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

Probably Thomas Hardy’s Tess – if she had girlfriends like those I have, she’d’ve had the self-belief not to make so many wrong turns…

Which book/author has made the most impact on you?

John Irving for his ability to tell a tale and weave such beautiful detail and sensitivity with such excellent bawdiness…

Who would your ideal dinner guests be?

Vic Reeves & Bob Mortimer, Mick & Keef circa late 1970s – and Madonna doing the washing up.

Do you write in silence or with noise?

Silence! Shhh!

What’s your best writing moment so far?

Winning the Romantic Novel of the Year award for Pillow Talk in 2008.

Which three things would you want with you on a desert island?

A bottle of perfume, a pencil which never runs out and a huge wadge of paper.

Three tips for new writers.

Write because you want to tell stories, not because you ‘want to be a writer’
Look after your posture – this is ESSENTIAL!
Don’t spend too long faffing and editing – that’s just a fancy way of procrastinating.

Freya’s website.

Freya’s Books.

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.