Talli Roland

Talli Roland is the author of The Hating Game, Watching Willow Watts (the paperback is out now) and her latest, Build a Man is out now in e-book format. I was very excited to catch up with Talli, to ask her about her route to publication and who she would have to dinner…

What was your route to publication?

I’ve always enjoyed writing – it was the reason I trained as a journalist and I’d thought about trying to get a novel published, but it wasn’t until my thirties that I seriously started writing fiction. Over the next couple years, I wrote four novels and learnt a lot! When the opportunity came to publish non-fiction travel guides, I jumped. Even though non-fiction wasn’t really what I wanted to do, I knew it could teach me a lot about the publishing process and maybe even help me get a foot in the door for my fiction. And it did! Prospera Publishing -– the same company that publishes my non-fiction -– published my debut novel ‘The Hating Game’ and has also published my next novel, ‘Watching Willow Watts’, out now.

Describe your typical writing day?

Coffee. Writing. Wine! I’m at my desk around 7:30 a.m. or 8, because if I don’t sit down early, I can procrastinate for hours. I write until lunch, take a break, then spend the afternoon answering emails and doing social media.

How much planning do you do when starting a new project?

I do some rough planning – sketching out the main turning points and a bit about the characters. Then, I sit and write! I do about 3,000 words a day until the first draft is finished, and I don’t edit until I reach the end. My first drafts are very rough and require a lot of work. I usually end up rewriting about half the novel, but getting it all out first is the only way that works for me.

How do you approach editing?

I have several rounds of editing. The second draft is where things get tripped apart, slashed, changed, rewritten… basically, a complete overhaul. The third draft is characterization — looking at the characters’ voices, quirks, etc., and making sure they’re different. The fourth and fifth drafts focus on story flow and the actual writing.

Where do you find inspiration for your novels?

I don’t really know! Something just tweaks in my head, and I build a story from that spark. I like to write about current issues — technology, television, pop culture — so I find reading newspapers helps me with ideas.

For someone new to your novels, can you briefly describe your writing style.

Short and snappy with a bit of snark! My novels tend to focus on the journey of the main character, with a hint of romance along the way.

Best/worst thing about being a writer?

Being my own boss is both the best and the worst thing about being a writer. I love having control over my day and knowing that whatever I do, I’m doing it because I want to. On the flip side, there’s no one to blame if things go wrong or don’t get done!

Is there an author you particularly admire?

I really admire Sophie Kinsella for her consistently lovable, warm characters. Her novels are fun and entertaining, and they always deliver.

Is there a character from fiction you’d like to meet?

Hmmm… I admit I’ve had a crush on Philip from Enid Blyton’s ‘Adventure’ series. I loved the fact that he was adored by animals who followed him everywhere. I’d like to fulfill my childhood fantasy and meet up with him.

Which three books have made an impact on you?

‘Anne of Green Gables’ is one, for sure. I grew up close to Prince Edward Island, and I felt Anne was right on my door-step. I loved her creativity and ambition to be a writer. Next, I’d say ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, because it reawakened my loved for chick lit. And finally, ‘The Time Traveller’s Wife’, because it is so beautifully and poignantly written.

What three things would you take to a desert island?

I’d take a fuzzy flannel blanket (because I’m cold all the time); my Kindle (unlimited supply of books to download!); and my husband (he can talk for hours on any subject, so I’d never get bored!).

Who would your ideal dinner guests be?

I reckon a dinner table with Margaret Atwood, Boris Johnson, Gordon Ramsay and Rupert Murdoch would make for an interesting evening!

Any advice for new writers?

Before I met other published writers, I wasn’t aware other people had struggled as much –- and more –- than I had. Some had written for years and years before getting published (and are now bestsellers!). I know it sounds horribly clichéd, but really: don’t give up. If you love to write and you want to get published, persistence is everything.

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Visit Talli’s website.

Talli is also on Twitter. 

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.