Last year romance novelist Erin Green gave a wonderful talk and many people asked if she would be coming back to SWLF. Maybe. (Hopefully!) In the meantime, here is an interview with Erin. For all writers reading this, no matter where you are with your writing, note what she says about the London Writers’ Salon. Wise advice!
Hello Erin, tell me a little bit about yourself - where you live for example, where did your love from writing came from?
I was born and raised in Warwickshire, and still live in the area. My love of reading nurtured my path towards writing as I grew. As a child, I was taken to our local library on Saturday mornings to collect and exchange books. I still remember the thrill of being allowed to choose my own books in the Children’s section.
How do you structure your day?
I’m at my desk each day from 8 o’clock as I like to attend London Writers’ Salon Zoom sessions. These free sessions happen four times a day on weekdays and just once on a Saturday by chasing the ‘8am’ slot around the globe. The hour-long sessions bring writers, authors, playwrights, screen writers, students – basically anyone who is writing anything together for a period of focussed time. For me, it’s like showing up at the office surrounded by colleagues – it helps to start my day by providing a structured start. Over time, I’ve got to know many of the other attendees which helps to build a sense of community. Writing can be a lonely job as you tend to write alone with little contact on a daily basis with others. It’s nice to pause during your work knowing that three hundred other folk around the globe are doing the same as you! Link: https://writershour.com/
I always write for the first hour of each day as that’s where my joy lies. Afterwards, I tend to organise my tasks based on the next deadline – so the last three weeks I’ve been focusing upon structural edits which have dominated my days. I find editing hard which is why I always start with a writing session to provide my escapism and joy. The hours can be long depending upon the task, with numerous tea breaks in between for mulling over situations or problem solving. I maintain a regular exercise routine which helps by providing thinking time away from my desk. I try to stick to sensible hours each day but when deadlines loom and tasks are complicated sometimes late nights and twilight hours are necessary.
And the London Writers Salon - that’s dedication! How or why did you sign up for that?
I signed up for the London Writers’ Salon in November 2022 having returned from a writers’ retreat where others were discussing it. It was a concept born out of the lockdown situation of 2020 which has continued to steadily grow ever since. The main sessions are free but there is a paid membership aspect, offering additional benefits, which I have signed up for which enables me to attend talks, workshops and interviews. I’d advise any aspiring authors to join the free sessions as it supports your progress in getting the words written – I wish it had been available to me before I was published. The four session are 8am, 1pm, 4pm and 9pm GMT time – of course times differ around the globe.
What makes a great story?
For me engagement and relatable characters are the essence of a great story. I want to cheer them on, hoping their dreams come true and that justice, in whatever form it appears, is theirs by the final page. I struggle when I can’t find a connection with a character. I rarely give up on a book and ‘do not finish’ so my heart sinks when I realise the enjoyment factor is amiss. I always think I can learn something from the books that I haven’t enjoyed, which justifies my decision to finish reading it.
Where or how do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration all around me in every day life. Objects, people, places, buildings, pieces of art, names etched on gravestones, overheard conversations, modern phrases used on social media – inspiration seems to be everywhere. I have an ideas book in which I note small details for future use. I know I can’t use everything that I spot but it’s amazing how two noted details merge together to create a plot line or twist in a book.
Several of your books are based in Shetland - what is the link? Warwickshire’s a long way from the sea!
As a child I used to stare at the Shetland islands during the weather forecast and wonder what was there. In 2019, I decided to find out by visiting and fell in love with the sheer beauty of Shetland. I knew during that holiday I would be writing a book, I just didn’t expect it to be a series of four.
What’s your favourite sweet?
Dark chocolate – a plain and simple choice. I will happily refuse everything else for a few squares.
What book/s are you currently reading and why?
I rarely read modern books whilst I’m writing all day so I opt for the Classics or reread treasured books. I’m currently reading ‘The Tenant of Wildfell Hall ‘by Anne Bronte and rereading ‘Mary Poppins’ by P.L. Travers. I return to reading modern books when my days are focussed on editing as I know my own story by then and the modern books can’t influence my own writing.
Do you think book reviews are important?
Books reviews are vital for an author and readers. Firstly, it’s nice when readers can be assured they aren’t wasting their hard-earned money, as paper or hardback books aren’t the cheapest of items to buy. Everyone’s reading passion is different so there are occasions you dislike what others are raving about but reviews are a fair gauge. I dislike the reviews that give away the book ending which ruins the enjoyment for potential readers. I tend to look at the shape of the review star rating rather than the actual numbers – if it’s top heavy fives and fours stars, I’m happy to purchase. I read all my reviews, I don’t shy away in knowing what my readers liked and disliked about my stories – it helps me during the planning stage of the next book.
Can you see a time in the future when you won’t be writing?
I can ‘never say never’ in life. I write because I have a head full of stories. In my younger days when I didn’t write those stories remained inside my head bugging the hell out of me. I love my brain for its ability to conjure up such ideas so I’ll say even if I wasn’t published in the future, I will still be writing stories.
Interview by Jacci Gooding
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