Hello,
So Tracy Bloom. For those of you who don't know Tracy, she wrote the incredibly funny and very successful novel, No-One Ever Has Sex On A Tuesday. Like me Tracy is/was an English person living in America and also like me she originally self-published her book before it's success led a publishing deal. Tracy and I are literally two peas in a pod. So here's me talking to Tracy Bloom.
Like me you ended up living in America (a Brit abroad), do you think this effected your writing or the way you wrote about England.
It
was more profound than that for me. Moving to America allowed me to
re-invent myself in a way that perhaps isn't possible when you are
entrenched in the day to day at home. I decided to follow my dream of
writing a novel and was definitely spurred on by "The American Dream"
that believes anyone can do anything no-matter who they are.
How did your first novel
'No-one ever has sex on a Tuesday' come about? And I have to ask, did the book come first or the title?
The
inspiration for the book came from attending antenatal classes when I
was pregnant with my first child. I was immediately hit by the potential
for comedy and drama when you have a bunch of strangers thrown together
to share one of the most intimate and life changing experiences of
their lives. I couldn't help thinking how awkward it would be if you
were there with someone you knew. And then my imagination began to run
away with itself. What it it was an ex-boyfriend who you'd had a
one-night stand with around the time you conceived? And so the book
began to take shape. The title eventually came from a line of dialogue
in the book which is used as a chat up line by Ben, one of the lead
characters.
Also like me, you
started off self-publishing. How was the experience for you? I loved it
and when it took off and my book was in the top ten on Amazon, it felt
like all the hard work and hours put in was all worth it.
It
was bloody brilliant!! I'd spent four years trying to get a UK
publishing deal which finally led me to try self-publishing. I spent
months researching and planning so when it got to the top of the charts
for 3 weeks it was mind-blowing. Even better were the reviews that came
pouring in. To finally get your book into the hands of readers and for
them to tell you how much they like it is amazing.
Keeping with the self-publishing questions, did you use an editor and
how was that experience? The first time I had my work edited, I was
amazed how many mistakes, typos, and suggestions they
had.
Yes
I did - I think it's essential to have fresh eyes look at your work.
You don't always have to agree with their suggestions but getting an
opinion helps you see your book through a readers eyes and that's so
important.
Another thing we have in common is that we both write comedy novels. Why comedy?
That
is what seems to come naturally. Something in my head makes me look for
the humour in situations so I just go with it. I grew up surrounded by
farmers who took the mickey out of each other constantly so I blame my
upbringing.
I've asked this question a lot, but it's always interesting to hear.
How do you write? Do you plan much, or do you just see how it goes, or
something in the middle?
I
love plot so I like to plan. I have a core idea of what the book is
about then I start brainstorming the plot as the characters develop in
my head. Before I start writing I have a flow chart on my wall which
outlines the basic story. I also complete a questionnaire on my main
characters that can help me understand them better and might also spark
some interesting story lines.
Any advice for first time authors just starting out?
Just
do it - don't over think it. To start with you will learn the most by
actually writing not thinking about writing. Also try and join a writing
group/class. This get's you used to sharing your writing with others
and helps you understand your strengths and weaknesses.
Can you think of one book or film that has influenced you the most?
Can
I say a TV series? I watched Gavin & Stacey whilst writing my first
book. It's bursting with unique, quirky believable characters, it's
massively funny and unbelievably warm and touching. Watching it really
upped my game because I wanted to my book to be that good.
Tell us a bit about your second book, Single Woman Seeks Revenge?
This
book was self -published last year and is about a woman who get's
revenge on every man who ever broke her heart. Penguin Random House will
be releasing it as a paperback around Valentines day next year.
What are you working in at the moment?
I'm
just finishing my new release for Penguin Random House which will be
out in October of this year. It's called I WILL MARRY GEORGE CLOONEY (BY
CHRISTMAS) and it's about a chicken factory worker from Derbyshire who
decides the answer to all her problems is to marry the man himself.
Lastly, when you're writing, do you listen to music and if so, do you think it effects your writing?
I
don't because I find it distracting. I do however reference a lot of
music in my books as it's so evocative of times and feelings. I'd love
to have a go at writing some lyrics one day as I think some of the most
beautifully constructed lines there are, appear in songs. I'll leave you
with one of my favourites and see if you recognise it...
If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world....
Until next time.
Hugs,
Jon X
Until next time.
Hugs,
Jon X
