Hi all, I'm back after having a bit of a break from blogging (I have plans, I promise I'm not slacking!) and today it's my turn on the Mums Just Wanna Have Fun blog tour with author Lucie Wheeler.
I first met Lucie in September last year when me and my friend, Jess, decided to attend the launch event for Lucie's debut novel. We'd never met before then, but Lucie, Jess and I instantly clicked over our similar career paths and love of books.
So when the opportunity came for me to be a part of the blog tour for Lucie's new book, Mums Just Wanna Have Fun, I jumped at the chance to support such a lovely, enthusiastic, talented woman.
I had the chance to ask Lucie some questions, not just about writing but about reading too. So, here are the quick-fire questions I asked Lucie...
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Writing
The planning process or the writing?
The writing. I do plan a little but I find it changes anyway as I write so I tend to loosely plan but then just free write until things start to come together.
Planning on a computer or on paper?
Both. I sometimes plan little bits and pieces on paper as and when I think of them, but anything substantial like a timeline or , for example, the gestational details of the pregnancies of the ladies in my first book, these tend to be computer documents - with lots of highlighting!
Creating characters or creating the settings?
This is really hard because I love doing both. I love to people watch, so creating characters is always fun. I like to explore different qualities and personalities to give to my characters and see where it takes the story. But equally, I love being in and around scenery and different places so when I am writing about that element of a story, I like to take myself away from the here and now and really put myself there. So both are equally fun to write and I think any good story needs a strong basis for both these elements.
Writing descriptions or writing dialogue?
I love to write dialogue and it is always description that I have to insert more of when doing my edits. I tend to have a first draft that is heavy with speech and dialogue and then when I get my revisions back from my editor, that is when I go back and elaborate descriptively. So it has to be dialogue for me.
Coming up with the plot first or the characters?
I think this depends on the story. I would say I predominantly come up with a plot or theme initially as there always tends to be a message I want to portray with my stories however occasionally I will have a strong character in my mind and have to think where they would fit in the story. Generally speaking I would say I have the plot first.
Show your family/friends your drafts or keep it to yourself?
Keep it to myself! The only people who see first drafts are my agent, my editor and a few friends who read for me who are also writers. My family and friends can see it when it’s a little more polished!
Writing in order or writing certain parts and connecting them later?
I write I order. I can’t write the ending before the rest of the story. I will have an idea of what will happen, but I write in order otherwise I spend ages trying to go back make things fit in with timelines etc. My brain works better with structure.
Working with music/background noise or in silence?
Complete silence! Has to be. I can’t have music or people talking around me when I’m writing. No TV, no chatter, nothing. It’s actually quite an impractical way of working because there are noises everywhere - but I need to focus and lose myself in my mind and for that, I can’t have any distractions. Anything I do write when there is noise around, I tend to have to rewrite or at least tweak during edit stage.
Write what you know or step out of your comfort zone?
Had you asked me this a few years ago I would have said write what you know. However recently I have branched out into writing YA and children’s books which I have zero experience in and I love it! By taking the plunge and trying new things, it has not only made me realise a potential new direction to explore with my writing, but also It has helped strengthen my current writing. So I would definitely say to step outside of your comfort zone every so often.
Writing the opening or writing the ending?
Ending - it always gives me tingles!
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Reading
E-Book or physical book?
Physical book
Buying books online or in a bookstore?
Online because I don’t have to carry them all so I can buy more, but bookstore for browsing and the general feel of being around all the books.
Paperback or hardback?
Paperback - they’re easier to hold in bed/the bath!
Stand-alone books or a series?
I love a series, especially if I have particularly enjoyed a book and the characters and I don’t want the story to end. However the thing I like about stand-alone books is not waiting around for the next one to come out to answer any questions in my mind. I feel more content. But I enjoy both - ultimately it’s the story, not how many books there are.
Reading indoors or outside?
Indoors - I get too distracted outside!
Lending books to friends: Yes or no?
Yes, of course! I really enjoy sharing my passion for reading with everyone so I happily share my books. Unfortunately that has meant over the years I have lost some books (a couple of signed ones too which broke my heart) but I would never say no if someone asked to read something - I want to encourage reading, not stop it.
Buying used books: Yes or no?
I don’t mind buying used books. There’s something about a brand new book which feels special and looks great on the shelf, but no book would go unloved by me so I would take in any waifs and strays and give them a home on the shelf!
Libraries: Yes or no?
YES!
Audiobooks: Yes or no?
YES! Love an audiobook!
Folding corners of a book to mark your place: Yes or no?
I am guilty of this! I’m not precious of my books so the spines are cracked and the pages folded and some even have notes and highlights in them. I draw the line at tears and rips, I try not to rip anything but generally I like my books to be enjoyed and look like they’ve been loved. And because I often read in the bath, my books tend to be watermarked and frayed too.
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