« Jordan outsells the Bookers | Main | BOOK REVIEW: Perfectly Plum: unauthorized essays on the life, loves, and other disasters of Stephanie Plum, Trenton bounty hunter edited by Leah Wilson »

September 26, 2007 9:43 AM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW & COMPETITION: Isabel Wolff

Isabel Wolff is one of the earliest chick lit writers, with The Trials of Tiffany Trott being published way back in 1999 so we're excited that she agreed to answer our questions. Her latest novel is Forget Me Not ... read on after Isabel's interview to find our how you can win one of 10 - 10! - copies.

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

Garden designer Anna has a baby,  an ex, a peculiar au pair and a huge family mystery.

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee  shop, an office)?

In the basement of our house with my earplugs in so that I'm not too tempted to go upstairs and play with my children.

Your favourite chick-lit book?

Rachel's Holiday. Not just because it's good, but because it was the first chick lit book I ever read, as I was asked to interview Marian Keyes about if for the Telegraph. I loved the novel's combination of pathos and humour which is something I aim for in my own books.

Carry on over the cut for Isabel's excellent writing tips and more ... including a chance to win a copy of her latest book, Forget Me Not.

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why?

Becky Sharp in Vanity Fair. Although she's  ruthless and sometimes heartless, at the same time I admire her for using her brains and wit to advance herself in a society that cares only for money and connections.

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want  to become writers?

1. Make sure you truly want to write - it's a very hard and solitary life.
2. Read a lot and go to films a lot so that you immerse yourself in your chosen genre.
3. Plan your novel in as much detail as you can otherwise it's like trying to build a house without architectural  plans.
4. Get one good friend whose opinion you value to read it as you write.
5. Aim to do at least a little each day so that you see the book grow.
6. Don't talk about it - do it.
7. Never give up.

What are you reading at the moment?

The Memory Garden by Rachel Hore, author of The Dream House. It's her second novel and is set in Lamorna Cove in Cornwall - I'm loving it.

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)

It'll be called One of a Kind, and it's about a girl who runs a vintage dress shop; she loves restoring the clothes so that they get to live another day, but there's something in her own life, sadly, that she's unable to restore and which, ultimately, she must come to terms with.

What question have you never been asked in an interview, but think you should have been? (Tell us the question and answer it too, if you like!)

Q.  What do you think makes a good writer? 

A.  I believe that to be a good writer you need to have two things: firstly, a sharp eye so that the book is filled with the detail needed to it vivid and real. The second thing you need is an understanding heart - not necessarily a kind heart, otherwise you couldn't make the moral judgements that you have to make about your characters, but you need to understand their foibles and failings so that the book has subtlety, humanity and depth.

Thanks, Isabel!

For a chance to win one of 10 copies of Forget Me Not, email us (subject line "Forget Me Not") with your name and address (so we can send you the book if you win) before midnight GMT on Tuesday 9th October. Good luck!

Came straight to this page? Visit www.trashionista.com for more female fiction news, reviews and interviews.

Posted by Keris on September 26, 2007 in British Authors, Competition, New Releases | Permalink

Comments