This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
Every month, we give you the opportunity to interview a favourite author in our newsletter by asking for your questions via Twitter. This month, you quizzed bestselling author Joanne Harris. Joanne’s latest collection of short stories A Cat, A Hat And A Piece of String is published in paperback on 16th January with her next full length novel, The Gospel of Loki, launching in February.
Will there be a sequel to Peaches For Monsieur Le Cure?
Yes, I think so – although when that will be, I don’t know. It may be about Vianne Rocher, or perhaps it will be the story of Anouk, Rosette or Roux – I haven’t decided yet…
What is Christmas like for your family? Do you have any favourite traditions?
A big tree, which we always decorate together (this year it will be quite late, as Anouchka’s not back from university till next week); then lots of movies (Kill Bill is a traditional one), and Mexican food on Christmas Eve.
Why was the narrative perspective altered for the US version of Blackberry Wine?
My US publishers insisted on my making the change. I’ve always regretted it. But I was relatively new to the game, and inexperienced – I allowed myself to be bullied.
Where do you find inspiration for your books?
Everywhere. The newspapers; the net; overheard conversations; fairy tales; my travels; my friends; my family. No-one needs to look far for inspiration – stories are everywhere. It’s just a matter of learning how to spot them…
Did you always tell stories before your books?
Yes, always. Even before I learnt how to read, I was already making up stories.
What female writer has inspired you?
Angela Carter. I love her dark fairytales and exuberant imagery.
I would love to know which of your novels’ villains you would most like to have a cup of hot chocolate with and why?
I think it would have to be BB from Blueeyedboy. Not everyone’s favourite person, but I think I’d enjoy his outlook on life.
Can you give us three book recommendations?
Perfumes, a Guide, by Luca Turin (the best encyclopaedia of scent you will ever read – funny, informative, deeply intelligent and bitchy as hell); The Marlowe Papers, by Ros Barber (a historical thriller, written entirely in verse, and absolutely astonishing); Nights at the Circus, by Angela Carter, which features one of the most appealing narrators I’ve ever met in fiction.
When the film Chocolat was being made, did you have any input? And, did you want to snog Johnny Depp?
I had a courtesy involvement in the movie (which means that I was consulted, that everyone was nice to me and some even pretended to listen), but not what you’d call a controlling vote. I managed to get some of my ideas past the director via Juliette Binoche, but I knew some things would get changed anyhow. As for Johnny Depp – I like his acting, but I don’t really think he’s my type.
Thanks, Joanne!
Join us on Twitter this month and keep your eye out for our next Twitterview open call for your chance to quiz an author.