Ask the Author: Gill Thompson
Answered Questions (11)
Gill Thompson
Hi Shelia. Sorry it's taken me so long to reply. I was using the wrong page! Thank you for your lovely comments. As you might have discovered by now, my third novel, 'The Lighthouse Sisters,' has just come out. It's set on Jersey on the Channel islands, where some of my father's family originated, so it's a story very close to my heart. I hope you manage to track it down and that you enjoy it - and thank you again for writing.
Gill Thompson
Oh I think it would have to be Narnia! The C.S Lewis books captivated me as a child and I don't think I've ever recovered from that early immersive experience in reading. I'm only a writer because I was a reader first. (Sorry it's taken me so long to answer this - I couldn't locate my author page!)
Gill Thompson
So sorry it's taken me so long to answer this. I couldn't seem to locate my author page! It's a bit late for this now but I think that summer I was reading 'Hamnet' by Maggie O' Farrell. What a wonderful inspiring book it was. I wish I had written it! Otherwise, I would probably have been reading books set on Jersey for my new novel, 'The Lighthouse Sisters' which has just come out.
Gill Thompson
Ooh that's an interesting question (and sorry it's taken me so long to answer it - I couldn't seem to access my author profile). I'd love to know more about my ancestors, in particular my father's family. His maternal grandfather was a blacksmith but is listed on one of the censuses as having been injured. I'd like to know what happened to him but have drawn a blank with my research. I wish I could travel back in time and speak to him!
Gill Thompson
Hi Amanda. So sorry - I've only just seen this, so my apologies for my late reply. I'm delighted you enjoyed 'The Oceans Between Us.' It always means a lot when an Australian rates it! And thank you for the five stars. My next book, now out, is called 'The Child on Platform One' and is about a little girl on the kindertransport in world war two, inspired by the Nicholas Winton story. I am currently writing a third book set on Channel Island Jersey, again in world war two. Thank you for asking and apologies again for the delay.
Gill Thompson
My most recent book, provisionally entitled 'Eva's Child', was inspired by seeing a youtube clip of Nicholas Winton, the man who rescued over 600 child refugees from Prague before the second world war, appearing on an Esther Rantzen show. I was so moved I started to research the event and it was then that I found out about Terezin, the Czech concentration camp where Jews were allowed to perform music, act and sing. I joined the two events together and that forms the backdrop to the novel.
Gill Thompson
Like many writers, I started to scribble as a child. Growing up, I was completely obsessed with the tudors and started a novel about Anne Boleyn. I wish I'd kept going - I might have given Philippa Gregory a run for her money!
I've always loved reading (in fact I took an English degree so that I could read books all day) and each time I finish a wonderful novel, it makes me want to write one like it.
I've always loved reading (in fact I took an English degree so that I could read books all day) and each time I finish a wonderful novel, it makes me want to write one like it.
Gill Thompson
Well, I've just submitted the manuscript of my second novel, about a child on the kinder transport in world war two, to my editor. So, currently nothing but I'm sure there'll be loads of edits to keep me busy once she's read it.
I am just beginning to think of some ideas for book three, but don't have anything concrete to work on yet. After nearly ten years of almost solid writing, it's quite nice to have a break...and even to clean my house!
I am just beginning to think of some ideas for book three, but don't have anything concrete to work on yet. After nearly ten years of almost solid writing, it's quite nice to have a break...and even to clean my house!
Gill Thompson
Don't give up. It's really tough out there but if you believe in yourself, and other people have suggested you have talent, then keep at it. It's also a good idea to belong to a writing workshop where you'll get constructive, honest feedback. If you can afford it, I would also definitely recommend going on an accredited course. I was luckily enough to take an M.A in Creative Writing and it changed my life!
Gill Thompson
Achieving a fifty year ambition to have a book published. How I wish I could tell my younger self that I'll get there in the end!
Gill Thompson
I'm lucky enough not to have suffered from writer's block...yet! Because I write novels based on true stories, I tend to have a template of sorts to work from so the I don't tend to get stuck on the actual plot element. Sometimes though I find I can't write myself out of a scene. That's when I usually run it past my husband (who scarcely reads any fiction yet has an uncanny knack of suggestion good solutions - not that I tell him that of course) or my workshop group who are also great at solving problems.
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