When did you start writing your novel, Agony Angel? After finising university in 2003. I worked on it in between freelance jobs in television and finally settled down to finishing it a couple of years after that. Then I spent a good year editing it which basically involved me cutting bits of it, giving it to my sister to look over and her putting them back in. Continue below the cut to find out what Agony Angel is all about...
After self-publishing her book, Agony Angel, Cesca Martin appeared in various newspapers and a double-page feature in Cosmpolitan magazine (cue the green-eyed monster from me!). She's had great reviews of her book so far, so I decided to ask Cesca what it's all about, and what it's like to be a self-published author...
Tell us what the book is about. It's a classic chick lit tale. It centres around Angel, an Agony Aunt on a teenage magazine, who's stuck in an office doling out advice to worried teens. Boyfriend troubles, sordid affairs, bullying, bodily functions - they're all seeking her help and advice. The trouble is, Angel has got problems of her own. A City slicker boyfriend who doesn't call, an unemployed flatmate, psychosomatic best friend, noises late at night, a neighbour with a pet python and a worrying case of insomnia...we follow Angel as she tries to sort out her problems before she thinks about theirs… What made you decide to self-publish? Various friends and friends of friends had read bits and been really positive, I wasn't getting anywhere finding an agent and I was changing career so had time to spare. I hoped it would sell, I hoped it would get good reviews and I hoped people would enjoiy it. What writers inspire you? I love many of the male chick-lit style writers. Danny Wallace is my hero. William Sutcliffe, Emlyn Rees/Josie Lloyd and Richard Asplin have all been brilliant reads. Genuinely amusing. Obviously you have to mention the mother of chick-lit Helen Fielding too, she's wonderful. Is your main character, Angel, anything like you? NO! My older sister has claimed that she is based on her. And she is (although I won't admit that to my lawyers). Do you have any advice for aspiring writers? Stick with one idea and write that book. Don't be my Dad (18 first chapters and not a novel in sight - love you pa!!). Are you planning on writing anything else? Um... I'm writing two! (WHAT?!) I'm currently three-quarters of the way through my second novel 'Valentines Day Virgin' and am working on a joint book with my male best friend. He's well funny... oh and this time round I'll be seeking an agent. Thanks, Cesca! To read an extract of Cesca's book (and buy a copy!) visit www.agonyangel.info.
