We are thrilled to welcome best selling romantic novelist Katie Fforde to Strictly Writing. Thanks so much Katie, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to join us.
The first story I remember reading was...
The first book I read on my own was ‘Snowball the Pony’ by Enid Blyton. I was a slow reader. The fiction I really loved- a couple of years before I could read myself- were the Arthurian Legends. I used to make the children I played with take the parts. I was always the noblest knight.
The first book I read on my own was ‘Snowball the Pony’ by Enid Blyton. I was a slow reader. The fiction I really loved- a couple of years before I could read myself- were the Arthurian Legends. I used to make the children I played with take the parts. I was always the noblest knight.
Which writer would you be for a day?
The writer I would be for a day would be one who can write 3000 words. Don't care which!
The writer I would be for a day would be one who can write 3000 words. Don't care which!
Amazon or independent bookshop?
Independent bookshop every time. I'm now Twitter mates with someone at my local Indy, and she'll order things for me. Bliss!
Independent bookshop every time. I'm now Twitter mates with someone at my local Indy, and she'll order things for me. Bliss!
You really must read...
An awful lot of books! I think a lot of Jenny Rooney, whose first book, 'Inside the Whale' was short listed for the Costa. I've just read her second.
I know I have my story when...
I know where to start and how it will end. Fortunately I can start before I know the end. I just get half the story at a time.
An awful lot of books! I think a lot of Jenny Rooney, whose first book, 'Inside the Whale' was short listed for the Costa. I've just read her second.
I know I have my story when...
I know where to start and how it will end. Fortunately I can start before I know the end. I just get half the story at a time.
If I wasn't a writer I'd be...
A therapist. I love listening to people's stories. Maybe there's a way I could do it without getting too distressed?
A therapist. I love listening to people's stories. Maybe there's a way I could do it without getting too distressed?
Favourite writing snack?
Carrots. Crunching down on a raw one helps with scenes requiring confrontation.
Carrots. Crunching down on a raw one helps with scenes requiring confrontation.
Longhand or computer?
Computer, every time. My hand writing is terrible. Fortunately I can type.
Computer, every time. My hand writing is terrible. Fortunately I can type.
My biggest tip for a Women's Fiction writer is...
To read a lot - you learn so much. And keep at it! (Second tip slipped in there as I couldn't quite decide.)
To read a lot - you learn so much. And keep at it! (Second tip slipped in there as I couldn't quite decide.)
My proudest writing moment so far has been...
When I heard from a female vicar who said she'd borrowed a bit of ‘Thyme Out’ as a basis for a sermon. (It was the bit about bereavement.)
When I heard from a female vicar who said she'd borrowed a bit of ‘Thyme Out’ as a basis for a sermon. (It was the bit about bereavement.)
Three authors dead or alive I’d like to invite to dinner are:
Well, Georgette Heyer. She might be a bit spiky but I bet she'd be fun. Mark Twain, ditto and probably Shakespeare. I've chosen dead ones because I might yet get to invite the living ones to dinner...
Well, Georgette Heyer. She might be a bit spiky but I bet she'd be fun. Mark Twain, ditto and probably Shakespeare. I've chosen dead ones because I might yet get to invite the living ones to dinner...
Katie has published fifteen novels and her latest, 'A Perfect Proposal' is due out on June 10th.
15 comments:
Katie, thanks so much for coming to Strictly. You are by far the healthiest snacker we've had so far - most writers seem to veer towards the chocolate and crisps!
I just bought your book about the literary festival and have been saving it for a treat. All the very best with the new one.
Susiex
Thanks so much for taking part, Katie. I loved your line about being the noblest knight! I too used to play all sorts of games like that. Best of luck with the new one, and how wonderful to have some of your writing chosen for that sermon.
Ah how I'd love to be that writer who can churn out 3000 words a day too! Glad to know even the most established of authors feels the same.
Great answer to "which writer would you be for the day"! I loved reading this Q&A - it was really interesting. Thank you!
I am definitely going to try the carrots for confrontational scenes tip! Thanks Katie, and Strictly.
Emily
Great answers, Katie (especially the one about writing 3,000 words a day)! Having followed you on Twitter it's a pleasure to glimpse a little more of you.
Thanks for your contribution, Katie. I must check out the Enid Blyton book!!
Carrots?! Katie, how come your writing resonates with so many women when you don't mention chocolate?!!
Great interview and congrats on your success.
Sam
3000 words a day? wow I only wish
great interview
LOL at carrots.
Thank you so much for guesting on Strictly. I know we all like to hear how other writers 'do it', and we hoover up any tips.
HB x
"The writer I would be for a day would be one who can write 3000 words. Don't care which!"
- Amen to that!!
I wish I could write 3000 words a day too. Great interview, I enjoyed reading it *off to buy carrots*
Jacqui xx
I can't relate to eating raw carrots, but do aspire to 3000 words a day!
Looking forward to reading A Perfect Proposal :o)
Yes- that's the type of writer I want to be: one that can write 3k a day!
I am glad that you have listed an Enid Blyton book i.e. "Snowball The Pony." Enid Blyton was a great children's writer. Her popularity to this day attests to this fact. Thus, I have written and published a book on her, titled, The Famous Five: A Personal Anecdotage (www.bbotw.com).
Stephen Isabirye
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