Alison Kervin's novel, A Wag's Diary, was one of the most eagerly anticipated books of this year (the first time we wrote about it there was a commenting frenzy - a frenzy!). I haven't had the chance to read it yet, but now that I've read about the sequel (see below) I can't wait. Also, Alison's answers are some of the best we've ever had!
Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:
A hilarious romp through the glamorous world of the Wags. [10 words! Get in! - Keris]
Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?
It varies from day-to-day, and from book to book, but this one I found such fun to write that I just sat at my desk every day and wrote … that doesn’t usually happen. With most of my books, I like to be out somewhere (there’s a coffee shop at the gym where I take up residence day after day, drinking coffee while fit-looking people rush by dressed in Lycra). Wag’s Diary was a joy to write, though, I kept thinking of ideas constantly and the whole thing felt as if it ‘wrote itself’ which was a pleasant relief from the torture I normally go through!
Your favourite chick-lit book?
Oh no … I hate these ‘favourite’ questions. Now my mind is asking questions like ‘What’s chick lit? Where does it start and end?’ I think like many people, I’d go for a Marian Keyes book in this category … probably either Anybody Out There? Or The Other Side Of The Story.
Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why?
OK … perhaps Cathy in Wuthering Heights because that’s such an incredibly forceful and clever story – narrated by someone totally outside the story and featuring characters in such distress, it has a darkness hanging over it yet still manages to be a vibrant love story. I think it’s an incredible work of fiction … one of those books that grows every time you read it. Another heroine would be Sarah from the End of the Affair. Not a conventional choice, perhaps, but the book is magical – so beautifully written that it’s quite breathtaking. Again, Sarah is a rather tragic, slightly cold figure, but her presence drives the story – everything moves around her and because of her.
What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?
Read loads and loads and loads, and write … just start writing. Most good stories are driven by good characters so I’d look for interesting, arresting characters in books and stories. Even in newspapers – it’s characters that will often drive news agendas. The real, human story behind a tragedy is so much more compelling than the bold facts of a breaking story. Try to work out what it is that makes characters interesting, challenging and compelling. Not all great characters would make great people, but there’s something about them that works… I think that if you can come up with a strong character, most stories grow out of them.
What are you reading at the moment?
Travel books about LA, three novels set in LA and the LA Times, LA gossip columns and everything I can find about football in LA. Wondering why??? See below…
What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)
The second Wags book is called Wag’s Diary in LA and Tracie Martin, my lead character from Wag’s Diary, goes off to LA to live there with her husband Dean who’s been employed as a coach at a club in LA, and daughter Paskia Rose who (to Tracie’s horror) has been signed by a team there to play ladies football (note – not women’s football. Tracie insists on describing it as laydeees football).
Do you have a theme song?
A what? No, I don’t – do other writers? It’s never occurred to me to have a theme song. Perhaps I should get one. [Ooh, you must. Everyone should have a theme song - Keris] Tracie’s favourite song is Doncha by the Pussycat Dolls.
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!)
I’ve never been asked why I write … always what I’m writing and when
it’s coming out and who my favourite characters are, where I write. The
one that’s missed out is why … yet I think ‘why?’ is at the centre of
most good literature. Understanding character’s motivations and why
they behave the way they do, and building into all the stories you
write a sensible assessment of ‘why’ is crucial. So, odd that people
never ask why…
Thanks, Alison.