NK Chats To… Felicity George

I am so pleased to be welcoming Felicity George to Novel Kicks today. Felicity, can you tell me about your novel, A Courtesans Worth and what inspired it? 

A Courtesan’s Worth is a steamy Regency Romance described as ‘Bridgerton meets Moulin Rouge’ (but don’t worry, there’s a happily-ever-after!). It’s the against-all-odds love story of a famous courtesan and a curate-turned-novelist, inspired by the salacious memoirs of Regency courtesan Harriette Wilson, and also by my years-long interest in the sex workers of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Britain.

What’s your typical writing day like? 

It primarily involves carving several pockets of writing between other responsibilities. I find setting timers on my computer helps me stay focused.

What are the challenges you found when writing your novel?

On some days, it seems that everything about writing a novel is a challenge. But I’d say the hardest thing is not letting myself give in to imposter’s syndrome or self-doubt. Creatives must fight a near-constant battle with the little hater in our heads that tells us we aren’t good enough, but it’s a worthy fight to fight! I try and remember there are people who genuinely love my novels, and knowing that they will receive joy reading them is very motivating.

Which fictional character would you like to meet and why? 

Perhaps Elizabeth Bennet, from Pride and Prejudice. I think she’d be a great bestie and loads of fun.

What elements make up a good story? 

Well-developed character arcs and a structured plot are the critical building blocks of a good story, but of course there must also be an emotional element. Readers need to care about the characters, and in order for that to occur, an author must develop character agency. This is why I have no worries about AI taking over fiction – an author must be a student of human nature!!

From idea to finished book, what’s your writing process like and how long does it typically take you? 

I’m a plotter, so typically I spend about two to four weeks working first on character arcs and then developing the plot. Before I start writing, I have every scene in the book mapped out. The first draft takes about two to three months, depending on how much revision I do along the way. I then start my revision process, which takes another couple of months. So all in all, from beginning to having a draft to send to my editor, it takes me about five to six months to write a novel.

What’s your favourite word and why? 

I don’t think I can choose! I love words and I love etymology. The Oxford English Dictionary is open on my browser at all times.

In your opinion, what are the common mistakes aspiring authors make? 

Well, my mistake with what I call my ‘practice novels’ was not studying the craft before I sat down to write. I often use this analogy to explain why doing this is problematic: you can’t sit down at a piano and begin to compose a song if you’ve never studied music theory, no matter how much you love music. You might make some pretty sounds, but it’s not a song. It’s the same with writing. You can’t sit down and put words on a page and have it be a novel that readers are going to engage with. You might have some fun elements, but to write a successful novel that keeps readers turning pages, you have to have studied character development, plot structure, and agency.

What are you currently working on? 

I’m currently working on the third and fourth novels in my five-book Regency romance series, the ‘Gentlemen of London’. (A Courtesan’s Worth is the stand-alone second novel in this series.)

Any other advice for aspiring writers? 

Study the craft and surround yourself with a group of supportive writing buddies!! Share your work. It’s difficult at first, but it gets much, much easier.

Would you rather – 

Have an endless summer or winter? 

Summer, but perhaps that is only because we already seem to have endless winter in Canada!

Tea or coffee? 

I love them both, but if I had to choose only one for the rest of my life, it would be coffee.

Movie or book? 

Book! (Although I also love a good film adaptation.)

Morning person or night owl? 

A night owl by nature, although by necessity, I’ve learned to get up early and be productive.

Paperback or eBook? 

While I appreciate the convenience of eBooks, I love to hold a book in my hands. The feel of it, the smell of it – a eBook can’t compare to that experience, for me!