Here Tricia Walker speaks of her writing influences, her journey to becoming self-published and her book, ‘Benedict’s Brother’, being turned into a feature film.
1) What first inspired you to write?
It was always there really, since about 10 years old but it took a long time for me to find my writing voice.
2) Why did you choose to be independently published?
Constant rejection! My novel was represented by an agent, was pitched to top publishers after 2 years of editing but they felt there wasn’t a market for it. Eight years later I decided there might be.
3) What genre would you describe your writing style as?
It’s contemporary general fiction, and yes I’m a female writer but it’s not really classed as woman’s fiction particularly.
4) Who is your main target audience?
Luckily for me there’s a lot of crossover. Originally I wrote it aimed at a younger market, under 30s, but lots of older people read it too, male and female.
5) Do you have a pre-writing ritual?
Only to make time and space in my diary which isn’t always easy! I do like peace and quiet though, depending what stage I’m at. I’ll happily edit in a busy cafe or on a train.
6) Do you have a lucky mascot?
No, but perhaps I should!
7) Where is your favourite place to write?
My desk, at home, with not too much distraction for the “writing” bit of writing. But if I’m researching or mapping out storylines my favourite place is a cafe with a pot of tea! I can make one pot of green tea last for hours!
8) What was the first book you can remember reading?
Do you know, I can’t remember? Little Women was definitely an early one.
9) Was English a favourite subject at school?
Yes. Definitely. And art.
10) Have you always aspired to be a writer?
Yes.
11) What was the best piece of advice you have been given about writing?
Just write it, cos no one else will write it for you.
12) What words of wisdom would you give to aspiring authors?
The same! Plus, define your ambition at the beginning. What kind of writer do you wish to aim to be? Do you want to be published? Really? If so, how?
13) Are you working on anything currently?
The script editing for the film of Benedict’s Brother. I’m a producer and script consultant, which is keeping me very focused plus I’m editing and re-working my next novel. And playing with ideas for a third book.
14) How did you come up with the title for you first book?
Hours and hours of playing around with it and being prepared to drop some initial ideas that I thought were brilliant, but were in fact awful!
15) Do you ever get writers block?
Not really, I’m a bit cynical about whether it even exists.
16) What do you do in your free time?
Visit Yorkshire! My family live there. And hang out at the beach near where I live in Dorset.
17) Are there any real life experiences based within your stories?
Yes. I draw from observation a great deal and then fictionalise it. People and places inspire me.
18) Do you read your reviews and are these important to you?
I do read them and try to roll with any feedback. Not everyone will like my style of writing, why should they? I’m lucky that Benedict’s Brother was received so well.
19) Where do you see indie writing in 10 years’ time?
I think it’s exciting times and as long as the focus is on maintaining quality both in creative and production values, it can only thrive.
20) How did you go from being a self-published indie writer, to having your book, ‘Benedict’s Brother’, now being turned into a feature film in Thailand?
It was a combination of two events really, and good luck. I met someone who was working with the producers of The King’s Speech at the same time as J K Rowling’s agent was considering taking the project on. The two things sparked the whole process really.
To hear more from Tricia and take part in her workshop come along to our Indie Writers Fest on Saturday 21st February at Leeds Trinity University.