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!



10 comments:

Administrator said...

Soooo many of your answers resonated with me, Lee - apart from the dark chocolate:)

Susie Nott-Bower said...

Me too. I know just what you mean about never having to work in an office again - that delicious sense of independence and the freedom to slop around in nightwear!
Susiex

Luisa said...

I'm with Lee on the dark chocolate too!

Great interview! Thank you very much, Lee and Caroline, and Strictly Writing. :)

Julie P said...

Thanks Lee. So many of your answers resonated with me too! Particularly the chocolate (but it would have to be galaxy for me!) and being able to structure you own working day. I'm lucky to have a supportive husband who is always up for reading whatever I write and will review it honestly. He takes no prisoners which is great for me!

Caroline R said...

Great interview! I love the pic of your office on your website - it looks so calm and uncluttered!

Caroline Green said...

Thanks again Lee, for your brilliant answers.

Rosy T said...

Greart answers, Lee!

The writing in the pyjamas thing is something I'm sure we all recognise. One of the joys of a rare day off to write!

Karen said...

Another great interview :o)

I can be insanely anti-social too, and sometimes have to really psyche myself up to speak to people!

royj said...

Hi Lee,

Was recently at the Grand Canyon and met your brother Chuck, such a nice guy, he wanted me to say Hi could not find any contact details other than this site.
Such a small world I live in Farnham Surrey have a photo for you
roytjordan@hotmail.com

Steve Feasey said...

Nice interview Lee (and Caroline, of course). I received a copy of your book today, so I shall get round to it as soon as possible (it'll be promoted way up the list of my ridiculously large TBR pile). Look forward to meeting you at Cheltenham in a few weeks.