I am delighted to introduce debut author
Silvia Forrester
Hi Silvia, a warm welcome to Jaffareadstoo. Tell us a little about yourself
and what got you started as an author?
I’ve always loved writing.
English language – and art – were my favourite subjects at school. After I
left, I never stopped writing – angst-ridden diaries, bad poetry, love letters
(yes, back in the dark ages, before the internet was invented).
Where did you get the first flash
of inspiration for your novel, Your Move?
 |
| September 2017 |
What can you tell us about the
story without revealing too much?
The central characters – Gemma
and Pandora – are very different, almost polar opposites. As they both embark
on their own amorous adventures – Gemma’s put her love life on the back burner
in favour of her career and Pandora is determined to snag a millionaire – the
two women’s lives begin to criss-cross. Your Move follows their burgeoning
friendship, as well as their romantic entanglements.
Whilst you are writing you must
live with your characters. How do you feel about them when the book is
finished? Are they what you expected them to be?
When the book was finished, both
the central characters had really grown and changed as people – that’s what
made them interesting to write, and – hopefully – makes them interesting to
read. Gemma begins the book thinking of herself as Little Miss Sensible, while
Pandora ruthlessly uses her feminine charms to get what she wants. Needless to
say, love has a few lessons to teach both of them.
How do you plan your writing, are
you a plotter, or a see where it goes kind of writer?
I’m definitely not a plotter. I
used to write in a big disorganised jumble and would then have to spend an age
beating everything into a coherent shape. Your Move was written in
chronological order, with chapters alternating between the two characters. This
was much easier structurally, but I still didn’t do any major plotting. I enjoy
seeing how characters develop and where they take me – it would be dull if it
was predictable.
Do you have a writing routine and
where do you do your best thinking?
I don’t really have a set routine
– it really depends what else is happening in life – work, teaching, marking,
family. Concretely thinking about stories never really helps me to write them.
In fact, I actively try not to think beyond the point I’m actually writing in a
novel because it dissipates inspiration and motivation – what’s the point of
writing it all down if it’s already clear in my mind? Part of the joy and fun
of writing – for me – is seeing where it goes, and letting characters and
events veer off in unexpected and entertaining places.
How can readers find out more
about you and your work?
Twitter @SilviaForrester
Huge thanks to Silvia for being my author in the spotlight today.
Jaffa and I wish you continued success with your writing.
~****~
