Ask the Author: Jessie Cahalin
Answered Questions (2)
Jessie Cahalin
When planning 'You Can't Go it Alone', I started with Sophie and Jack and their fertility journey; I wanted to explore both the male and female perspective of dealing an experience that often starts out as a secret. I knew that Sophie would be positive and kind to others - she would bring a community together and be the kind of person people feel they can ask, 'why haven't you got any children?'
Although Sophie and Jack were the starting point, I knew that the book would also examine other people's secrets. I mapped out the other characters and their relationship to each other. I knew that I would unveil secrets and mysteries as the book developed.
I wanted to explore:
When can sharing secrets help us?
What simple things can we do to help others and ourselves?
Following a visit to Tintern, I changed this to the primary setting.
I could imagine the characters living there, and even located the houses they would live in. The imaginary community developed and the characters seemed to insist on supporting each other.
Once I had visualised my characters living in a community,I was amazed at how the twists and turns fitted together, in my mind, and I enjoyed building the narrative like a jigsaw.
Although Sophie and Jack were the starting point, I knew that the book would also examine other people's secrets. I mapped out the other characters and their relationship to each other. I knew that I would unveil secrets and mysteries as the book developed.
I wanted to explore:
When can sharing secrets help us?
What simple things can we do to help others and ourselves?
Following a visit to Tintern, I changed this to the primary setting.
I could imagine the characters living there, and even located the houses they would live in. The imaginary community developed and the characters seemed to insist on supporting each other.
Once I had visualised my characters living in a community,I was amazed at how the twists and turns fitted together, in my mind, and I enjoyed building the narrative like a jigsaw.
Jessie Cahalin
I haven't allowed myself to say that I have writer's block. For me, it is important to keep on writing and writing, but with the confidence that I will seriously hack out the rubbish.
I also try to end the writing session when I am happy with the flow of ideas; this encourages me to return on a positive note.
I also try to end the writing session when I am happy with the flow of ideas; this encourages me to return on a positive note.
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