Novel Kicks Chats With William Thacker

Charm Offensive was published by Legend Press in March 2014.

William is an author and scriptwriter and this book is his debut novel. We chat with him about Charm Offensive, his writing rituals and his favourite word.

Can you tell us about Charm Offensive?

It’s a contemporary novel about a retired politician’s recovery from a scandal. It contains tragedy and comedy – two of my favourite bedfellows.

Which authors do you admire?

I admire many of the novelists and playwrights who are closely associated with the 1930s and 1940s – the likes of Steinbeck, Orwell and the neglected-until-recently Patrick Hamilton. I admire the moral integrity to their works which came amid economic depression and war. They had soul as well as style. I once wrote my dissertation on the great American playwrights – Arthur Miller, Eugene O’Neill and Tennessee Williams – for the same reasons.

Out of all the books you’ve read, is there one that’s stuck with you?

Patrick Hamilton’s Hangover Square was a big deal for me. I connect with it partly because he’s writing about some of the places I know, but also because I appreciate big ideas in small, claustrophobic confines (pubs, boarding houses, tea rooms) and I think Hamilton balances the macro and micro better than most.

What’s your favourite word?

Gnarly.

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

Miss Havisham. We could go swing dancing.

Who would you invite to fantasy dinner party?

Michael Gove so I could slap him in the face.

Do you plan and do you edit as you go?

I don’t plan enough, but I’m becoming more pragmatic – spreadsheets and the like. I’m a believer in the ‘writing is re-writing’ principle, so whilst I certainly edit as I go, the important part is pressing the reset button and writing afresh.

Do you have any writing rituals?

My writing space tends to be train carriages, so I owe a great deal to First Capital Connect and the London Underground. I don’t get along with desks and computers. I keep a notebook in my breast pocket – like a detective – and I tend to whip it out when no one’s watching.

Follow William on Twitter.

Charm Offensive is available to buy in paperback and e-book. Published by Legend Press. £7.99.

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.