What books or writers have most inspired you?
There are so many that I hardly know where to start! Every good book I read inspires me to try to write better. In terms of writing this particular book I would say that Meg Rosoff’s How I Live Now was a big inspiration. It’s a book with a teenage protagonist that speaks to readers of any age because it doesn’t limit itself. It deals with big issues, it’s funny and moving and clever, it has the most wonderful voice and it’s beautifully written. I read it before I had any serious thought of becoming a writer and it genuinely made me think I’d love to give it a go. I also re-read Jane Gardam’s Bilgewater and Crusoe’s Daughter for inspiration when I got stuck with the book. Both are books I have loved for many years, and have wonderful quirky teenage protagonists, as does Dodie Smith’s I Capture the Castle, another old favourite that I went back to for inspiration. While I was writing this book I was also reading Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies. They are extraordinary books, and reading her makes me want to write every single sentence perfectly. Of course I don’t manage it, but she inspires me to keep trying!
What are you working on next?
My next book is a very different story but again focuses on family relationships, love and loss. This one will have a bit more of a mystery to it though and, I hope, a love story. I think it’s also going to have an element of historical drama as well as a very contemporary storyline, which is something new and exciting for me. I can’t say too much though, because it’s at an early stage and although I can see it clearly out of the corner of my eye if I look at it too hard it disappears. But I’m very excited to be working on a brand new project and getting to know my characters – there are some very interesting personalities in the mix! Expect fireworks, a few giggles and possibly a tear or two . . .
Table of Contents
Half-title page
Title page
Copyright page
Dedication page
Epigraph page
Contents
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
Acknowledgements
In conversation with Clare Furniss
The Year of the Rat Page 20
