This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
By Cesca Major
So, when Kirsty got in touch to say someone on the Novelicious team was required to interview Danny Wallace on Skype, on the paperback publication day of his debut novel Charlotte Street, my response went a little something like this:
"OhmygodIlovethatmanletmepleasethisisallIwantforChristmasandmore."
Which is basically a nonchalant, "Yeah, sure I'll do it Kirsty, I mean, hey, someone has to, yeah?"
I have been very open about my love for this man's writing in the past and in a recent 'Beat the Block' I talked about the simple premise that is his amazingly amusing book 'Yes Man'. So I was JUST the girl for this.
Novelicious arranged a time – 4.15pm last Thursday – and I set up my computer at work ready for the interview.
'Danny Wallace calling,' it announced. OH MY GOD.
Press 'Yes'.
'Call Ended: 1 sec,' came the announcement. Oh my god. I hung up on Danny Wallace.
Oh, hold on, 'Danny Wallace Calling', it announced again.
Press 'Yes'.
I can hear his voice! Wait…why can I only see MY face? Okay, Cesca, don't panic. Don't panic, just try to
get his face on the screen by pressing stuff without hanging up on him again. And, oh yes, don't let him realise. START TALKING, CESCA!
I asked him questions. They were vaguely sensible – about writing, and the process of writing, and about the fact he has a son and that he wrote his novel chronologically (Who else does this? This seems hard and incomprehensible to me). He discussed the juggling of his various ventures and gave the impression of a man who likes a project/can't sit still for too long. He was modest but not in a "Oh, little me has written a book, I just can't believe anyone will read it blush, blush, groan, groan, oh do be quiet, you great big celebrity." way, but in a "two-thirds of the way through I just panicked and wondered what I was doing." way. We all know that feeling.
Danny's writing tip, which I plan to steal, is to set a target – say 2,000 words a day- and then get a square and divide it into 4. When you achieve a quarter you get to tick the box and give yourself a treat or write more.
The whole theme of our call was happy. Danny Wallace just seems like an extremely upbeat and energetic guy. And fine, I already think he's awesome but I wasn't disappointed. And as we all know (cue sad story about the time I met Hugh Laurie) it doesn't always go that well for me and my idols…
So. Get hold of Mr Wallace's first ever work of fiction and if you have yet to read 'Yes Man' then really, what are you still doing here? Go. Go get it!
That is all.
Nearly.
Yes OF COURSE, I spent 20 minutes JUST LOOKING AT MY OWN FACE.
It sure sounded like Danny Wallace though…