Jacqui Rose

Jacqui Rose is the author of of the novel, Trapped which has just been released by Avon (Harper Collins.) Jacqui chats to us about writing and her new book.

Can you describe your writing style in fifteen words or less.

Lyrical, passionate, intuitive and at times poetic.

What’s your typical writing day like?

I’m contracted to write two books a year which I love but instead of spacing it out sensibly, I leave actually sitting down to write the book until almost the last minute because I thrive under pressure and I think it makes my writing better.  So then I’m left with long writing days. I could start early in the morning and not finish writing till midnight. This will go on for about six weeks, writing between 2-3000 words a day and on crazy days up to 7,000 words, but those days are few and far between. And as much as it becomes very intense I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Do you get writers block? If so, how do you combat it?

No, I’m lucky I don’t. Since I was little my head has been stuffed with stories and ideas. My main problem is having the time to write them all.

Do you plan a book or do you simply ‘wing it.’

Oh it’s completely winged. I have no idea of the story at all when I sit down. What happens is a character comes into my mind and I know they’ve got a story to tell, so I sit down in front of the computer and let the character guide me. It’s almost like watching a movie in my head. I see what’s happening and hear what’s being said and I feel all I’m doing is writing it down. LOL. My publishers, Avon/HarperCollins are great because they don’t demand a synopsis from me until I’m almost finished the book. Not that I could give them one anyway as I truly don’t know what’s going to happen in the story from one writing day to another.

What makes you laugh?

Everything. I love laughing. For a time I performed stand-up comedy but I was hopeless. I also didn’t like the structural confinements around it though I did enjoy the writing. I love old school comedy as well as physical comedy like Laurel and Hardy. Laughter has always got me through some of my darkest moments. The absurdities of life and people. When I talk to my friends about really bleak times there’s always an element of laughter involved. I could do without the luxuries in life but I could never do without laughter.

Is there a fictional character you’d like to meet?

My favourite book is Jane Eyre and I was going to say her but in actual fact I’d say Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights. I’d like to sit him down and give him a right good talking to. Knock some sense into his stubborn, passionate, obsessive head of his.

Who are your ideal dinner guests?

Over the years my ideal dinner guests have changed but I think I’d go for Robin Williams who makes me roar with laughter, Chris Rock who does the same thing. Joaquin Phoenix because of his intensity of spirit. Charlie Sheen because he’s just off the wall and Jack Nicholson because of the stories he’d have to tell.

Which part of the writing process do you enjoy the most/least?

I know this isn’t strictly the process of writing because I actually enjoy it all but I’m going to say my least favourite part is actually showing my new books to my agent and waiting for her to approve it. Even though writing feels the most natural thing in the world to me I’m not brimming over with confidence when it comes to my writing .I can’t quite believe people want to read my stories and actually enjoy them, so I’m always pleasantly surprised when my agent gives it the thumbs up for it to be sent to my editor but I’m on tenterhooks until then. My favourite part is editing. I just love me a good edit. I love getting the structural, copy or line edits back from my editor. I know a lot of authors hate that part but it’s the cherry on the cake for me.

Can you tell us about your latest book, Trapped?

It’s a gangland Romeo and Juliet story set in Soho and it revolves round two warring families, the Donaldson’s and the Taylors. It’s also a story of unbreakable bonds, passion, violence and forgiveness.

Do you edit as you go along or do you wait until there’s a full draft?

I edit as I go along but not to the point of perfection but I like it to read well by the time I’ve finished the 1^st draft.

Which three things would you want on a desert Island?

Ant repellent as I have an ant phobia, a solar panelled radio because I need my music and copious amounts of Bassett jelly babies as I can’t live without them. That’s all not very practical is it? I don’t think I’d survive for long.

What advice do you have for new writers?

To be true to your writing voice. Don’t try to copy other authors. Bring freshness and passion into your writing. Write from the heart and don’t be afraid to try something new. Allow yourself room to make mistakes but above all, enjoy it.

To find out more about Jacqui, visit her website. 

by

Chris Parish