Can you tell the readers a little about yourself, Margaret?
I live in Eastbourne, having moved here from Leicester eighteen months ago. But I was born and educated in Stoke-on-Trent, widely known as the Potteries, and where several of my novels are set. As someone who came late to a writing career, I have found to my delight that it has enriched my life in so many ways. I really enjoy discussing publishing with other writers and especially attending writing conferences.
When I’m not writing, I love to read. The printed word has always fascinated me, and I used to haunt the public library as a child. I also enjoy chess, preferably with a glass of wine by my side, while listening to music. As I’m a lark and write mainly in the mornings, the evenings can usually find me engrossed in a good film. For exercise I like to walk as much as I can, and I’m now lucky to be able to do so by the sea.
Give us a brief picture of your personal journey as a writer
I began to write after my youngest child left for university. I was completely naive about the world of publishing. But although I’d always longed to write a novel, I did know that I needed to learn the tools before beginning on what at that time seemed an almost impossible ambition. So I wrote a short story, submitted it to ‘Best’ magazine, and within a month received an acceptance and a cheque for £100. Pure beginner’s luck of course, because it was ages before another of my short stories was published. Then several successes followed, in the UK, Ireland, Australia and South Africa. And so I began to write my long-awaited novel. Then discovering there were other writers locally I joined a writing group held at Leicester Adult Education Centre. One of the best decisions of my life. The constructive critiques I received were invaluable in the success of Ring of Clay, my debut novel which won the RNA New Writer’s Award 2002 and The Society of Authors’ Sagittarius Prize 2003. Since then I have written six more novels set in the Potteries, published by Hodder & Stoughton. I then felt challenged to write on a more cosmopolitan landscape and wrote an Edwardian romantic suspense, ‘Dangerous Decisions’, published by Choc Lit
How do you feed your creative engine? Where do you look, or what do you do, to keep the inspiration flowing?
Like many writers, I have no idea where my inspiration comes from. I envy those who have lots of stories in their heads, bursting to come out. I concentrate on the current novel, and only when I’m writing the last two chapters do I even wonder what my next book will be about. I begin with the name of my heroine, a knowledge of the era and location and then somehow a story begins to flow from my fingers. I’m definitely character led, and never write a synopsis or even an outline before commencing. I think my creative engine is fed by the amount of time I otherwise spend in a fictional world, and mixing with other writers gives me the stimulation I need.
Tell us about your latest book and why we should all buy it?
The title is ‘The Black Silk Purse’, published by Allison & Busby. Now out in hardback, paperback and ebook. The Large Print and Audio editions will be published by Magna in early 2019.
It is an intriguing and emotive read, full of historical detail yet deeply romantic. I was thrilled with the review by the Historical Novel Society ‘Throughout the novel the author takes you on a journey full of twists, turns and surprises – it is a real page-turner which you will never forget.’
Clare – I can endorse that. I absolutely loved it.
If you could wave a magic wand and change something about your writing career what would it be?
To have begun writing much earlier in my life, maybe in my twenties or thirties.
Mark Twain said “Most writers regard the truth as their most valuable possession, and therefore are most economical in its use.” – How much of your own fiction is based on truth?
An interesting question. I think a percentage of my fiction is based on truth. Observations of character, memories of happenings both in my own life and in the world at large can form the basis of a story. But always embellished with my imagination and thus turned into fiction.
What comes first – location, plot, characters?
Location, followed by characters.
Tell us about your writing day.
I don’t have a routine as such, except that mornings are best for me. Otherwise it’s as and when. I no longer have a separate study since we downsized and came to live by the sea. But I have a spacious bedroom, with a desk in one corner. I need to be somewhere quiet to write, so a shared sitting-room or anywhere with a television set would not be my scene at all.
Anthony Burgess once said “Literature is all, or mostly, about sex”. How true is that of your books?
They vary. I never put sex scenes in unless they are an essential part of the novel. For instance Ring of Clay included a rape scene, unsatisfactory sex was one of the issues in a Girl of her Time. And I have included loving and passionate scenes in others. But sex isn’t a central part of my novels, and I don’t write erotica.
Who or what has been the greatest help to you as a writer?
Receiving constructive critiques from other writers whose views I respect. Joining a writing workshop at an Adult College, and later attending JustWrite, both in Leicester, was one of the best decisions of my life. And I’ve been extremely lucky to find like-minded writers in Eastbourne and we have formed a valuable critique group.
What has been the hardest thing for you to overcome in becoming an author?
Initially, like most writers, a lack of belief in one’s own ability. Realising that one needs to write every day, even if only for a short time. Finding my ‘voice’, which took time.
If you could pick one of your own characters to spend some time with, who would it be and why?
Rose, in Ring of Clay. This is because I began to write this, my first novel, shortly after my mother died. And I based the character of Rose on her.
What are you working on now – or next?
I’m writing my tenth novel, with a working title of Circle of Lies. Set in London against a background of the General Strike in 1926. My main character, Lady Deborah Claremont, lost her fiancé in the last year of the Great War and is leading a double life. Then she meets and is strongly attracted to two totally different men. Sorry, that’s as far as I’ve got. And I am intrigued myself as to the rest of the story as it unfolds. I really am a “pantster” rather than a plotter.
Clare here – I am enjoying the chapters of this work-in-progress Margaret has been sharing in our critique group. It is keeping us all guessing – Margaret herself too, I think!
To find out more about Margaret – have a look at her website and visit her Amazon page
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