Friday, 25 April 2014
Today, I am thrilled to be able to welcome Fern Britton to the blog. Fern's new book, A Seaside Affair was released on the 24th April. Fern very kindly answered some interview questions. Fern very kindly also made a video of herself where she answered not only one of my questions, but the questions of some other fab book bloggers. Have a peek at the video at the end of this interview.
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| Image © Headshot London Photography |
INTERVIEW
JB: Where
did the idea for this book come from?
FERN: A
SEASIDE AFFAIR is partly inspired by my recent tour with Strictly Come Dancing.
So it’s set back in the theatre world, which was lovely for me to write as I
trained to be a theatre manager – and the plot revolves around a local theatre
that needs saving!
JB: How
long did it take you to write your first book and do you find that with each
book you write, the process becomes easier or is that dependent on each
particular book and plot development?
FERN: It
normally takes me about 6 months, and if anything, it doesn’t get easier, but
instead it’s actually harder as I want to write something better each time. I
argue with myself a lot as I’m writing, worried that I’m not doing very well
and the book’s not good enough. I want to write stories that people want to read
– something cheering and uplifting. And the reception so far has been
wonderful, so thank you to you all for enjoying them.
JB: Do you plan the plot of a book in advance or
do you simply sit down and write?
FERN: I do like to have a beginning, a
middle and an end laid out before I start. But the best piece of advice I ever
received was: once you’ve started writing, don’t stop! You could write the
first sentence or the first chapter for ever and ever – don’t! I try to write
chapter a day if I can. The next day, I’ll go back and revise if necessary. But
don’t ever stop!
JB: Did any particular event also inspire this book?
FERN:
I was partly inspired by my tour last year with Strictly Come Dancing. I used
to be a stage manager myself in the 70s, and when I was on tour I spent a lot
of time with the stage management crew, sharing stories about all the scandals
that went on, and thinking, yes, I want to write about the theatre next!
JB: And
finally, can you share your top writing tips for all the budding authors out
there.
FERN: First,
you need a plot – I like to know what’s happening at the beginning, the middle
and the end. Then I draw up the characters, their back stories and their
interests etc. I also like to have a detailed chapter breakdown, so about 40
pointers on where the story is going and what’s happening at each point, which
helps to prevent tangents! Finally, I write every day - and once you’ve
started, don’t look back! Keep going until to you reach the end, and revise
afterwards!
When
the residents of the Cornish seaside town of Trevay discover that their
much-loved theatre is about to be taken over by coffee chain, Café au Lait,
they are up in arms. It is up to Penny Leighton, hotshot Producer and now
happily married Cornish resident, to come up with a rescue plan. Armed with her
only her mobile phone and her contacts book, she starts to pull in some serious
favours.
The
town is soon deluged by actors, all keen to show their support and take part in
a charity season at the theatre. One of the arrivals is Jess Tate, girlfriend
to TV heartthrob Ryan Roberts. His career is on the rise while hers remains
resolutely in the doldrums. But when opportunity comes calling, it isn’t just
her career prospects that are about to change. Trevay is about to put on the
show of its life – but can the villagers, and Jess, hold on to the thing they
love the most?
Praise
for Fern’s previous novels:
‘Complicated
friendships and tales of a chaotic love life make this a must-read’ Woman
‘A
light-hearted, fun read that perfectly captures the sights and smells of
village life’ Heat
‘Fern
Britton has transferred her fun and friendly charm to the page’ Good
Housekeeping
Fern
is one of the nation’s best-loved broadcasters, and has fronted Coast to Coast
and ITV’s flagship show, This Morning, as well as competing on the BBC’s Strictly
Come Dancing. Most recently, Fern has interviewed high profile guests (including
Dolly Parton, Tony Blair and Sheila Hancock) about their faith for the BBC
series Advent. This spring, she will be on screen presenting a BBC 2, 6 part series
called The Big Allotment Challenge: The Patch – Grow, Make, Eat Fern is deeply
committed to a number of charities, in particular those working with and for
women, children and childbirth. She has completed several gruelling women-only
sponsored bike rides across Egypt, India, Cuba, Jordan and most recently
Sri Lanka, raising money for the Genesis Research Trust to find cures for devastating
conditions that affect mother and baby. 57 this year, she is fitter and healthier
than she has ever been, and says that her life has been enriched by both the
physical challenge, the camaraderie with her fellow cyclists and the fact that
they are helping the next generation
of women across the globe to build the happy, healthy families they deserve.
A
SEASIDE AFFAIR is Fern’s fourth novel. All her previous books – The Holiday
Home,
Hidden
Treasures and New Beginnings – were Sunday Times top ten bestsellers. She lives
with her husband Phil Vickery, the well respected chef, and her four children
in Buckinghamshire.
Always enjoy Fern's books.
Great little interview . Well done! Katie x
What a super interview. I now feel star struck!