Sunday 16 September 2012

Paint Me A Picture - Patsy Collins


I’m sure most people reading this will have heard of novelist and short story writer Patsy Collins or already be following her friendly blog where she generously shares links to lots of writing competitions. If you check out her latest post, it’s a step by step guide to publishing on Kindle.



Patsy’s latest novel, Paint Me a Picture, is available as an ebook here and Patsy has kindly agreed to be grilled – er I mean answer some questions.

Who could you see playing Mavis in a film version of your book?

Emma Thompson. She'd have to keep her lovely smile under control during the opening scenes though.

Great choice - brilliant actress! So what came first, Mavis or the Round Tower? I think I mean did you have the character, the setting or the plot first?

Ha ha! I didn't think you really suspected I was as old as the Tudor dynasty.

Usually I create characters and plot first and the location sort of builds up around them, but in this case when I first thought of Mavis she was already walking up the Round Tower. It was good to have a real location to work from as I didn't have a plot at the start and I had to form Mavis's character as I went along. I think it worked as Mavis actually starts out without much personality and her character develops throughout the book, but I wouldn't recommend this approach for 'normal' characters.

Often I completely make up locations, but because of the way Mavis is, and because the locations are so important to the story, I used real places. I did have to make a few adjustments though. I moved the chip shop to where I wanted it and had my own home built decades before it actually was and let Mavis live there. Luckily Mavis and I have the same taste in gardens (about all we do have in common!) so I didn't need to alter that.



Do you have a writing room?

I do. It's very tidy - but not in my half (Gary and I share.) It's all pale wood, white walls and books. There's a window looking out onto the park opposite. Altogether it's a perfect writing space and I know how lucky I am to have it.

It sounds perfect. Do you find you’re more creative in the morning or afternoon – or doesn’t it matter?

Mornings I think, but it doesn't seem to make much difference. I write whenever I'm in the mood - but never ever after drinking wine.

Very wise! I’m always interested to know what other writers have on their desks. Do you have any non-stationery items on yours?
  
Er yes. Did I mention I'm the untidy one? I'll just mention the stuff that's supposed to be there ... A glass goat that my dad had made for me, a Napoleonic era musket shot, my watch (I can't write with it on) a cookie model of our house, purple nail varnish (actually that shouldn't be there) and a scented candle. Often there are flowers but not today.

I love the sound of the goat and the musket shot – and knowing you, I’m not surprised about the purple nail varnish!
What do you like to watch on TV?

Quiz shows, Dr Who, Coast, wildlife and history programmes. I don't watch much TV and never worry if I miss something which I often do as I'm easily distracted by writing or gardening.

Thanks, Patsy. I enjoyed that insight into your writing life. And thank you for the lovely pictures of Mavis’s garden!



A little bit about Paint Me a Picture:

After Mavis Forthright decides to delay her suicide, strange things begin to happen. First of all people that Mavis dislikes start dying, then people who have been kind to her are killed or injured. Is Mavis to blame? She has to find out and somehow stop the deaths before she can enjoy the new life she’s making for herself.

You can find Paint Me A Picture on Amazon.


19 comments:

  1. Hi Teresa,
    Ah yes, very aware of the lovely Patsy Collins :) Thanks for the enlightening interview and all that useful info.
    Most encouraged that Patsy has noted that mornings, although not necessarily, are conducive to her creative moments. Gives me hope because I'm trying to find the right mood to actually formulate something worth reading. Never mind, I shall leave it to that lovable dog, Penny.
    Thanks for this and all the best to Patsy and you, Teresa.
    In kindness, Gary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Gary. I think your words are always worth reading - how can you go wrong with Penny to help? x

      Delete
  2. I loved this interview, especially the wonderful things on Patsy's desk. I always like knowing where people write. My husband and I share a room in a way, but we did have wall put up to divide it, as he has to talk on the phone a lot and needs a bit of quiet. My half has the piano in it and I do get up every so often and play something quite badly and loudly.
    I think Paint Me A Picture sounds amazing and exciting. I'd ;love to read it.
    Many thanks, Teresa and Patsy.x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it's lovely you have a piano in your half of the room, Joanna :-) x

      Delete
    2. I sometimes sing, Joanna. Not badly and lodly though, just badly. I have to do it silently though. If I hadn't already promised to do that he'd have had it put in the marriage vows.

      Delete
  3. Great interview, Patsy and Teresa - love the quirky variety of items on your desk, Patsy! Definitely a book for the TBR list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rosemary, it's not just my desk that's quirky ...

      Hope you enjoy the book.

      Delete
  4. Fabulous post. Thank you Teresa and Patsy. Sounds a very shivers up the spine story - sort I love! :o) xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Sue - shivers up the spine is good :-) x

      Delete
    2. Thanks, Sue. Yes, there are a few scenes that might do that.

      Delete
  5. Great interview. I love learning about the writing habits and processes of writers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Edith. I always like to hear about how other writers go about things too - it's reassuring to find many are just as odd as me!

      Delete
  6. Thanks for doing this, Teresa.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank YOU, Patsy! You're very welcome anytime :-) x

      Delete
  7. Thank you Teresa and Patsy for a fascinating post. You paint a lovely picture.

    ReplyDelete