Monday 25 June 2012

An Inspiring Blog Award

Many thanks to great blogger and short story writer, Suzy, for inspiring me with this Be Inspired award! It’s always lovely to be mentioned in the great big blogging world and it’s giving me a chance to mention again my very first historical novel, Dangerous Deceit, which was published last year and which Suzy kindly read and reviewed on her blog a while ago.

So here goes with Suzy’s questions!

What gave you the idea for your book?

An early obsession with Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer books! I wanted to live in the Georgian/Regency period and when writing my first novel, I just had to set it in that fun period between 1811 and 1820. But I wanted it to have intrigue as well as romance.

How long did it take to write overall?

A few years from writing the initial first chapter to getting on and finishing it, but that was partly because I left it aside and got on with short stories and articles for too long (as I still do with novels).

What kept you going when you were half way through?

By the time I reached half way, I’d signed up to the RNA New Writers’ Scheme and had to submit a novel by the August – that was all the incentive I needed!

Are any of your characters based on real people, even though you have to say they aren’t?

No – except perhaps my young heroine, Lydia is a little like my long-ago teenage adventurous self. I do, however introduce the real-life Lord Byron into a scene, and there’s mention of the Prince Regent.

Did you ever wonder if you’d have the work published?

All the time! I knew there were fewer publishers taking Regencies in the UK at that time, so perhaps taking so long to finish the book paid off in the end.

When you’ve had one book published, do you feel under pressure with the next one?

Absolutely! Especially when my daughter keeps telling me that readers who enjoyed the first one will be expecting more. And I don’t want my publisher to get tired of waiting. But see the next question.

Would you write in a different genre next time, or do you always stick with what you know?

And therein lies one of my problems. By the time Dangerous Deceit was accepted, I had moved on to other genres. Fortunately my tween book, Summer of the Eagles, was published in April but I have about three others in the women’s fiction genre (one completed) and a few other novellas and children’s books.

Do you prefer writing a novel, or short stories?

If I’m being completely honest, I think I still prefer short stories, but I suspect it’s partly because they are quicker to finish and send out. I definitely need more patience and self-discipline for the long-haul of novels, which sometimes is in short supply!

Do you use everyday happenings in your writing?

I’m often inspired by everyday happenings, whether in my own life or in history, but would always fictionalize them for stories.

If your book was to be on TV who would play the lead male and female roles?

Hmm… When he was younger, I would have liked Timothy Dalton to play the hero, Lord Marcus Sheldon, as he always seems to have the right combination of toughness and sensitivity. Maybe someone like Rupert Penry-Jones, although he’d need to have darker hair! I can’t think of many young actresses, but perhaps Carey Mulligan.

Good questions, Suzy!

And now I’m passing the award and the same questions on to: Myra Duffy; Chris Longmuir; Talli Roland; Anne Gallagher; Jean Bull

Rosemary

13 comments:

Teresa Ashby said...

Lovely answers, Rosemary - and congratulations on the Be Inspired award.
And Rupert could dye his hair :-) x

Anne Gallagher said...

Thanks Rosemary. I'm in the middle of moving right now, but promise I'll get to this very soon.

I like short stories too. So much easier. Wish I had time to write them.

Myra Duffy said...

Thank you,Rosemary -much appreciated.

Joanna said...

Lovely answers, Rosemary and congratulations on the award.

I think I like short story writing best too and for the same reasons as you.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks, Teresa - and you're quite correct!

Hope the move goes well, Anne!

You're welcome, Myra!

Thanks, Joanna - they are so much quicker, aren't they!

suzy doodling said...

Loved your answers Rosemary. Timothy Dalton would be great, I imagine Keira Knightly as Lydia.

Carolb said...

Congratulations, Rosemary.
Very interesting to see your answers.
A younger version of Timothy Dalton would be great in the role. :-)

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi Suzy - thanks again. I nearly said Keira Knightley but thought she was in everything!

Thanks, Carol - I'm glad you and Suzy agree about T.D!

Talli Roland said...

Yay! Thank you so much, Rosemary. :)

Joan Fleming said...

Interesting to have your own thoughts on who should play your hero and heroine, Rosemary.

Diane Fordham said...

Enjoyed this post and always like the 'insights' into you as a writer. I could relate to the answer you gave about short stories over novels. :-)

Rosemary Gemmell said...

You're welcome, Talli!

Thanks, Joan!

I think a few of us feel the same about short stories, Diane!

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