Ask the Author: Liz Treacher
Answered Questions (8)
Liz Treacher
I would go to the small Welsh fishing village, Llareggub, from Dylan Thomas's Under Milkwood, just to meet all the characters. Then, if two trips are allowed, I would travel to Narnia, simply for the sleigh ride through winter and the turkish delight...
Liz Treacher
I have quite a few books sitting on my shelf looking at me: My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante; Sapiens by Harari; the first person and other stories by Ali Smith and Lila by Marilynne Robinson. I've just started Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout and I absolutely love it!
Liz Treacher
For me, the best thing about being a writer is the 'Eureka' moment when suddenly, (and maybe after days/weeks of being stuck) I work out a way to solve a problem with a character or the plot. It's like finding a missing piece of jigsaw - suddenly everything slots into place, (until the next problem arises!)
Liz Treacher
Something that really inspires me is travelling - but it's not the destination that matters - it's the action of travelling. There's something about being in transit that frees my mind up. The best thing for me is a long train journey. Then I can look out of the window, watch the blurred landscape rush past and wait for ideas...
Liz Treacher
My advice is write what you want to write, rather than trying to fill the criteria of a niche or genre. Chances are that there will be a niche for it. When I finished my first draft of my dark, contemporary novel, I asked someone who worked in publishing if they had any idea where it would fit. They came up with 'Speculative Fiction'! I had never heard of that particular genre... Also, don't worry if someone you show your work to, whether they are friend/family or possible agent/publisher doesn't like what you've written. Everyone has very clear and very different tastes in books and what one person doesn't like, another might love. But always ask for a reason and take it on board. The hero of 'The Wrong Envelope' (Bernard) was sometimes an issue with beta readers in the early days. First of all I dismissed any criticisms of his character, thinking to myself 'They just don't understand him!' But gradually the comments percolated down and I softened him ever so slightly. Now I think he is a more rounded character, but without the criticisms, that wouldn't have happened.
Liz Treacher
I'm writing a sequel to 'The Wrong Envelope.' I'm also redrafting a darker, contemporary novel.
Liz Treacher
I go for a walk, if possible with a camera. Images really help to unblock my mind. Driving is also really helpful for me. I live in an area where going anywhere means passing a mountain or a loch - a lovely view often clears my head!
Liz Treacher
I found a tiny suitcase of letters to my grandmother from a soldier who was at a nearby training camp during the First World War. I loved the style of writing and it started me thinking about the importance of letter writing at that time. The idea for The Wrong Envelope came soon afterwards...
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