Tuesday Talk welcomes author Silvia Forrester chatting about her writing influences, current project and favourite holiday destinations…

Good morning Silvia and welcome. Can I start, as always, by asking you a little about yourself?

Thank you, Jo, I’m delighted to be a guest on your fabulous blog. Well, I’m a daughter and a mum and a step-mum, and a sister and a wife and a granddaughter, and a grandma and an auntie and a friend. This must be why I find female relationships so fascinating. Men do get a look in, too, of course, especially when I’m writing a romantic comedy. Oh, and I live in Canterbury, in Kent, a city I love. I moved here to study for a degree twenty-seven years ago, and forgot to leave.

What inspired you to write Your Move?

The idea of creating two very different characters, both searching for love (whether they’re aware of it or not!), and bringing them into each other’s social circles, as well as following their various romantic entanglements.

Who are your favourite authors and have any of them influenced your writing in any way?

Reading is a great source of escapism and pleasure. And if a book can make you laugh, that’s a bonus. My favourite authors are Sophie Kinsella (shopaholic series), Helen Fielding (Bridget Jones) and the late, great Sue Townsend (creator of Adrian Mole). These authors find humour in everyday situations we can all relate to; that’s what I aim to do in my books, too.

Would you ever consider writing something other than romantic comedy? If so what would that be?

Yes, my agent (Caroline Montgomery at Rupert Crew Ltd) is currently trying to place another book I’ve written called Gina’s Therapy. It follows Gina through her diagnosis of ovarian cancer, her surgery, treatment and out the other side. Although Gina is quirky and funny, and the book includes romance, it also focuses on Gina’s relationships with her daughter, granddaughter, mother and best friend, and how having cancer affects these. It’s women’s fiction, but with a little more punch than your typical rom com. I think it would be a great novel for book groups because there are so many issues to discuss; we just have to find a publisher who agrees…

Beach or city girl? Where are your favourite holiday destinations and why?

Ooooh, I’d love to go on holiday just about anywhere warm, as I’m currently huddled next to the radiator in my home office, wearing fingerless gloves as I type! Cities are obviously great for exploring and entertainment, whereas a beach is pure relaxation. I have to say I think the beach holiday is winning. One of my favourite destinations is Lake Garda in northern Italy. My family used to visit when I was young and it’s wonderful to go back there: stunning scenery, delicious food, history, sightseeing, boat trips on the lake, swimming … just perfect, and very romantic. That said, many parts of Britain are also beautiful: the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District, most of Wales. It’s just that *typing while teeth are chattering* the British weather has a habit of going on holiday with you.

Are you able to tell us a little about what you are working on at the moment?

It’s a novel called Pure Magic and one of the central characters is Kiki, a sprightly eighty-three-year old, and also a white witch. She’s estranged from her son, who has cut her off completely, resentful at his unconventional upbringing. However, Kiki is secretly in contact with her son’s wife and her grandchildren. This creates problems when her son begins to suspect his wife is having an affair, rather than sneaking off to see her mother-in-law. The book explores the sometimes difficult relationships between parents and children, across the generations. Kiki is the linchpin that holds the novel together – she’s wise, generous and always tries her best to help but, if that fails, she’ll throw in a sprinkling of magic, too.

And lastly, you are planning a dinner party. If you were able to invite four famous guests (living or dead) who would you choose and why?

I’d invite Sue Townsend – she appeared to be such a stoic character, who suffered chronic health problems, but who never lost her sense of humour. I’d ask Fay Weldon, another novelist I respect and admire. I think Kenneth Williams would be a brilliant guest, and Jonathan Ross would definitely get the party going. I’m sure that would be an evening to remember!

 

BUY LINKS:

Amazon.com – http://a.co/1eLBblh

Amazon.co.uk – http://amzn.eu/hu2lXyF

 

AUTHOR BIO:

Silvia writes short stories and novels. She has an MA in Creative Writing and teaches at the Open University. Silvia was brought up in a seaside town on the south coast of England by her mother and grandmother; she now lives in Kent. Silvia has two daughters, two stepdaughters and three granddaughters. With an abundance of women and girls in her life, it’s not surprising that female relationships, family and friendship are frequently the focus of Silvia’s writing.

WEBSITE – https://www.silviaforrester.com/

FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/SilviaForresterAuthor/ 

TWITTER – https://twitter.com/SilviaForrester