As mentioned a couple of days ago, I've recently obtained a copy of Jessica Ruston's novel, Luxury, and it's turning out to be a fantastic read. I spoke to Jessica about her writing, the inspiration behind Luxury and some writing tips.Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer.
Risk, addiction, betrayal and revenge, in London, Manhattan and on an exclusive private island.
What inspired you to write Luxury?
I was in a meeting with someone who said what they wanted to read was a really good, juicy, proper blockbuster like they used to do in the 80s. And it got me thinking about all the big, fat books that I used to love so much - Savages and Lace and Riders and Polo. I wanted to write a big book, with lots going on - lots of characters, lots of fabulous locations, and masses of drama.
Where do you write your books?
At my kitchen table, on the sofa, in bed, in my big bright pink velvet armchair... occasionally in cafes. anywhere my trusty Macbook can go!
What is your favourite chick-lit book?
Is Penny Vincenzi strictly chick-lit? I'm never sure, but I just love her writing. The Spoils of Time trilogy is a massive accomplishment - it spans decads and generations and is just delicious.
Who is your favourite heroine, and why?
I can't choose one from my adult reading easily, so I will go for one from the books that I devoured throughout my childhood - Laura from the Little House on the Prairie series. The books are about a pioneer family living on a homestead in Kansas, and Laura became one of those characters that I wanted to be - I used to spend hours pretending to tap maple syrup and hide from 'Injuns' when I was about 8.
Do you have any tips for any of our readers who'd like to become published authors?
Read - but not just for pleasure, read with an eye to what the writer is doing. And find your own, unique voice - think about what you want to write, the sort of books that inspire you and spark off ideas... In the end, the only way to achieve your goal of getting published is to write, and keep writing. Learn from your mistakes and take criticism on the chin - it's what will help you grow.
What are you currently reading?
Um, mostly magazines at the moment! I am right in the middle of my second novel at the moment and find it really hard to concentrate on other novels when I'm writing like that. So I am reading mags, and some bits and pieces of things like essays which can be read in short gulps - I just read David Sedaris's latest collection and loved it, he's so funny and clever.
Are you working on anything else at the moment, and if so, can you tell us?
Yes, as I mentioned I'm writing my second novel. The title is currently unfinalised but it's a very different story to Luxury - it's about a woman who is a very successful couture milliner who is convinced her family is cursed and that she has brought that curse upon herself. There's lots about where that belief comes from and the various tragedies and traumas that have beset her and her loved ones. So still in the same genre but a whole new set of characters and challenges - especially as it spans a big period of time, from the 1960s to the present day, and takes in London, Russia, East Africa along the way...
Thanks, Jessica!
You can find out more about Jessica and Luxury by visiting Jessica's website. In addition, check out Reading Circle for a Luxury competition and extra material.
