Talli Roland

Talli Roland is the author of The Hating Game, Watching Willow Watts (the paperback is out now) and her latest, Build a Man is out now in e-book format. I was very excited to catch up with Talli, to ask her about her route to publication and who she would have to dinner…

What was your route to publication?

I’ve always enjoyed writing – it was the reason I trained as a journalist and I’d thought about trying to get a novel published, but it wasn’t until my thirties that I seriously started writing fiction. Over the next couple years, I wrote four novels and learnt a lot! When the opportunity came to publish non-fiction travel guides, I jumped. Even though non-fiction wasn’t really what I wanted to do, I knew it could teach me a lot about the publishing process and maybe even help me get a foot in the door for my fiction. And it did! Prospera Publishing -– the same company that publishes my non-fiction -– published my debut novel ‘The Hating Game’ and has also published my next novel, ‘Watching Willow Watts’, out now.

Describe your typical writing day?

Coffee. Writing. Wine! I’m at my desk around 7:30 a.m. or 8, because if I don’t sit down early, I can procrastinate for hours. I write until lunch, take a break, then spend the afternoon answering emails and doing social media.

How much planning do you do when starting a new project?

I do some rough planning – sketching out the main turning points and a bit about the characters. Then, I sit and write! I do about 3,000 words a day until the first draft is finished, and I don’t edit until I reach the end. My first drafts are very rough and require a lot of work. I usually end up rewriting about half the novel, but getting it all out first is the only way that works for me.

How do you approach editing?

I have several rounds of editing. The second draft is where things get tripped apart, slashed, changed, rewritten… basically, a complete overhaul. The third draft is characterization — looking at the characters’ voices, quirks, etc., and making sure they’re different. The fourth and fifth drafts focus on story flow and the actual writing.

Where do you find inspiration for your novels?

I don’t really know! Something just tweaks in my head, and I build a story from that spark. I like to write about current issues — technology, television, pop culture — so I find reading newspapers helps me with ideas.

For someone new to your novels, can you briefly describe your writing style.

Short and snappy with a bit of snark! My novels tend to focus on the journey of the main character, with a hint of romance along the way.

Best/worst thing about being a writer?

Being my own boss is both the best and the worst thing about being a writer. I love having control over my day and knowing that whatever I do, I’m doing it because I want to. On the flip side, there’s no one to blame if things go wrong or don’t get done!

Is there an author you particularly admire?

I really admire Sophie Kinsella for her consistently lovable, warm characters. Her novels are fun and entertaining, and they always deliver.

Is there a character from fiction you’d like to meet?

Hmmm… I admit I’ve had a crush on Philip from Enid Blyton’s ‘Adventure’ series. I loved the fact that he was adored by animals who followed him everywhere. I’d like to fulfill my childhood fantasy and meet up with him.

Which three books have made an impact on you?

‘Anne of Green Gables’ is one, for sure. I grew up close to Prince Edward Island, and I felt Anne was right on my door-step. I loved her creativity and ambition to be a writer. Next, I’d say ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, because it reawakened my loved for chick lit. And finally, ‘The Time Traveller’s Wife’, because it is so beautifully and poignantly written.

What three things would you take to a desert island?

I’d take a fuzzy flannel blanket (because I’m cold all the time); my Kindle (unlimited supply of books to download!); and my husband (he can talk for hours on any subject, so I’d never get bored!).

Who would your ideal dinner guests be?

I reckon a dinner table with Margaret Atwood, Boris Johnson, Gordon Ramsay and Rupert Murdoch would make for an interesting evening!

Any advice for new writers?

Before I met other published writers, I wasn’t aware other people had struggled as much –- and more –- than I had. Some had written for years and years before getting published (and are now bestsellers!). I know it sounds horribly clichéd, but really: don’t give up. If you love to write and you want to get published, persistence is everything.

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Visit Talli’s website.

Talli is also on Twitter. 

by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.