In conversation with... Melanie Golding
A: Little Darlings is a modern setting of an ancient tale about Faery Changelings. What if Faeries were real and, given the chance, would take your babies if you left them alone?
Did you have the plot entirely figured out when you started writing the book or did it take an unexpected turn as the characters grew on the page?
A: I always know what happens at the beginning and the end. The middle is that part that takes some working out.
What kind of research, if any, did you have to carry out while you were writing this novel? In general, is research something you enjoy or a means to an end?
A: I had to research several areas: changeling folklore, medical detail, police procedure, the history and construction of reservoirs – especially those with drowned villages in them. I do enjoy it, and I’d hate to get anything wrong.
If this novel was going to be turned into a film, who would you cast in the role of DS Harper?
A: Claire Danes.
Without giving too much away, can you tell us about a scene in the book that you love or that was particularly difficult to write?
A: I love the gritty birth stuff at the beginning. It felt cathartic to write. Also, the sweeping scenic scenes of the Peak District were very immersive and fun to write because I know the area that I’ve based the novel’s setting on very well.
Is there anything that didn’t make it into the final version of the book?
A: Of course! I probably wrote four times the number of words that are in the final book. I love editing. Whole subplots were written and cut, but what’s left over is all the best stuff.
If you are already working on your next writing project, would you mind giving us a little anticipation of what we are to expect?
A: The next book is another contemporary thriller with one foot in a folktale.
What are you reading at the moment?
A: I am reading an ARC of I Spy by Claire Kendall.
Due to the popularity of social networking websites, interacting with readers – be it via Twitter, Facebook Instagram etc. – is becoming increasingly important. How do you cope with these new demands on authors and do you think that they somehow disrupt your writing schedule?
A: Of course – time spent online is time that could be used for writing. However it is very important and also rewarding to interact with readers and reviewers.
What one piece of advice would you give to aspiring writers?
A: Read, read, read. Then write and don’t stop! Apart from to take breaks for more reading.
Thank you for your time!
Comments
Post a Comment