This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
Scottish-born actress Sara Crowe has appeared on television, stage and in films, including Four Weddings and a Funeral. Here, she talks about ditching writing plans, the unrealistic view many have of the not-so-romantic writing lifestyle and her new novel, which has a thread of the Victorian era and the early days of Raj in India. Campari for Breakfast is out now.
Tell us about Campari for Breakfast.
Campari For Breakfast is about a quest for the truth. I wanted to write about an innocent character in a difficult world and how she finds her way through crisis.
Where do you find inspiration for your books?
From all over the place, from life, from my walks, people I pass, things that I see, dreams, music, pictures, books … almost everything waking or sleeping!
Can you tell us a little about your average writing day?
If I'm working in the theatre as well, it means a very early start, I try and write from 6 or 7 am to 11am, and then go for a walk with the dog. I don't always manage it, if I'm late the night before, but a lot of the time I do. That way I get my work done before the day starts really. Otherwise, there's no time!
Do you use famous people or people you know as inspiration?
Not consciously!
What is your favourite women's fiction book of all time? Why?
It's hard to choose one, because there are so many great books, but if I had to, I'd say Hotel Du Lac by Anita Brookner, because it's so atmospheric. I couldn't put it down.
What female writer had inspired you?
I think Judith Kerr is extraordinary. I love the innocence of her stories, the child's perspective of the rise of the Nazis in Germany. I also admire her work ethic, she is amazing.
Can you give us three book recommendations?Perfume by Patrick Suskind (so compelling), Crowe Lake by Mary Lawson (a beautiful, gentle slice of life) and Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (life affirming!). I could go on and on, only three?
What is your writing process? Plan first or dive in? How many drafts do you do?
Plan first. Dive in. Ditch plan. Many drafts!
What was your journey to being a published author?
I have always written, always started things and not finished them because I was doing other things. I think I just woke up one day and thought, it's time to see something through to the end no matter what it takes, otherwise I'll never do it.
What do you think is the biggest myth about being a novelist?
That it is in some way romantic! I have tried writing outside on a hilltop, or on a beach, but I can't see the screen of my laptop properly! Writing is part torture, when you try and work out the plot, and part bliss when you have managed to find your way through … and then you can add the violins …
What advice can you give to our readers who want to write a novel?
Never give up. Hard work, commitment and determination will see you through. You learn from setbacks and trips down wrong roads. Nothing is wasted. Just don't give up.
What are you working on at the moment?
I'm working on Martini-Henry, which is part prequel and part sequel to Campari For Breakfast. This time I wanted to have a thread of the story set in the Victorian era and the early days of Raj in India. It's been good to write about something that I was really interested in, because the interest really motivates me.
Thanks, Sara!