Ask the Author: Jessica Duchen
Answered Questions (8)
Jessica Duchen
I have a fair number of possibilities, as it happens... but you'll have to wait for the books to find out! :)
Jessica Duchen
Amanda Craig: The Golden Rule
Joanne Harris: The Strawberry Thief
Ann Cleeves: The Long Call
Joanne Harris: The Strawberry Thief
Ann Cleeves: The Long Call
Jessica Duchen
Depends. I've occasionally had "lightbulb moments" when an idea comes along so strongly that I can't get away from it. But other projects have evolved very gradually, or required deliberate, step-by-step planning, or both, and I suspect that that may in fact be the best way to go about creating something that really works.
Jessica Duchen
Thanks, Jill! If you like bizarre true stories, then try my latest one, 'Ghost Variations', which is just out - downloadable as e-book now, paperback coming later. It's based on an extraordinary incident in the 1930s which involves a missing violin concerto, spirit messages and Nazis. No bodice ripping :). I really hope you enjoy it.
I like the sound of The Blue Horse - thanks for that!
I like the sound of The Blue Horse - thanks for that!
Jessica Duchen
Being able to write at home in PJs with the cat beside me and a limitless supply of tea.
Jessica Duchen
1. Read a lot.
2. Think systematically about structure.
3. Be willing to accept advice from people you respect and trust.
4. When you've written something, try to cut it by at least 1/3.
5. Don't give up!
2. Think systematically about structure.
3. Be willing to accept advice from people you respect and trust.
4. When you've written something, try to cut it by at least 1/3.
5. Don't give up!
Jessica Duchen
An opera libretto. It's my first go at one, though it's something I've wanted to do for years, and I am working with the fabulous composer Roxanna Panufnik. The opera is called 'Silver Birch' and is being premiered at Garsington Opera in July 2017. It's about a young man who joins the army...and the effect it has on him and his family when he's sent to war. I've loved every minute of the process!
Jessica Duchen
It was while I was researching another one! I was researching the Hungarian schools of violin playing for 'Hungarian Dances' when I got hold of a book about Jelly d'Arányi and was intrigued by a chapter headed 'The Truth About the Schumann Concerto'. I read it and nearly fell off my chair.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more