Quickfire Questions with...Lee Weatherly

Lee Weatherly is an award-winning children’s author. Her acclaimed novels for young teenagers include Child X, Missing Abby and Kat Got Your Tongue. For younger readers, Lee is the author of the popular Glitterwings Academy fairy series (writing as Titania Woods), as well as the upcoming series Pocket Cats; she is also the author of two picture books. For adults, Lee is the co-author of Teach Yourself How to Write a Blockbuster, and is a gifted writing coach, teaching workshop courses across the southeast.

Which writer would you be for a day?

I’d have to say myself, just because I’m used to my own quirks and foibles, and wouldn’t want to try to work out someone else’s in only a day! (We’re all mad as snakes, you know.) But if I could be myself in the Bahamas, that would be nice.

Independent bookshop or Amazon?

Amazon, to my shame. I love the convenience of shopping from my computer – though this can be a Bad Thing late at night, after a few glasses of wine.

Left on a cliffhanger or told all?

Left on a cliffhanger at the proper moment in the story, and then told all when it’s time to reveal all. I really loathe being left on a cliffhanger at the end of a book – it just makes me want to throw it across the room.

You really must read…

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. It’s not for everyone, but I couldn’t put it down.

The children’s book I wish I’d written most is …

Well, the obvious answer would have to be Harry Potter, for all those lovely royalty payments! However, if we’re talking about which book I most admire, I think I might say The New Policeman by Kate Thompson, which is just an amazing story.

I get most excited by…

A new story idea. I think all writers have this in common!

I know I have my story when…

I feel its different elements click together in a simple, logical way that can then be built on. I can craft a story arc easily enough once I have the characters in place, but I can’t do anything at all until I have that basic concept sorted out.

My biggest tip for a writer is…

Try to have a supportive other half. It makes a huge difference on all sorts of levels.

An author should never…

Take rejection too much to heart. It’s a business, and sometimes your work will click with an editor, and sometimes it won’t. Wallow a bit, and then pick yourself up and try, try again.

Favourite desktop snack

Lindt’s dark chocolate with hazelnuts.

Favourite work outfit

Jeans and a top, with my big comfy cardigan and cosy slippers. (And don’t tell anyone, but I sometimes work in my pyjamas.)

Best thing about my job is…

Doing what I love and getting paid for it. The next best thing is being self-employed and working from home – I love the freedom of deciding my own hours, and still get giddy with delight at the realisation that I’ll never have to work in an office again.

Email or phone?

Email. I can be ridiculously anti-social, and don’t like chatting unless I’m in the mood.

The hardest part of my job is…

Waiting for responses from publishers, particularly when you’re trying to sell new material. Nerve-wracking.

If I wasn’t a writer I’d be…

In real life, probably a teacher, but if we’re talking dream jobs then I’d love to work in film in some capacity – I think I’d be great in the editing room!

Thanks for some great answers, Lee - and for the questions, CarolineG!