June 12, 2006
Some people (having had their arms firmly twisted) have asked me how I came to write my first novel and how it got published. It still feels weird to talk about it ..like it has happened to someone else, but here goes.
I actually started writing when I was four, my first attempt to get published being a joke sent off by my mum to the Topper (yes - I’m that old). When I was nine, I won a runner’s up prize in a Daily Mirror children’s literary competition. Thanks to an inspirational English teacher at the local comprehensive, I later got a place to read English Language & Literature at Oxford. Special interests included Jane Austen and hot rum punch at The Turf Tavern.
After leaving uni worked (briefly) in a food factory, as a copywriter, a regional journalist and now runs a freelance copywriting business. The best part has been writing non-fiction articles including interviews with authors, actors and sportspeople.
I never dreamed of writing any fiction - far too difficult, I thought (it was and is) and very stressful (it was and isn’t quite so much now).
In January 2005 I met up with a group of wonderful women on the BBC Drama message board, and became one of the members of an internet literary/writing site called C19. My first piece of fiction was a ‘fanfic’ called, imaginatively N&S 2005. It was a sexy, funny ( I hope) ‘modern’ take on the Mrs Gaskell’s North & South, without the multiple deaths and politics.
Which all gives me an excuse to post another gorgeous bloke. Mr ‘Overbearing Master’ himself, star of North & South ….Richard Armitage. (Sorry, Richard if you ever come across this but you have to shoulder some of the blame…and what broad shoulders they are.)
Posted by Phillipa in Uncategorized @ 6:37 am
Ilsa Says:
Yep, RA/JT has got a lot to answer for hasn’t he. With me it wasn’t so creative - more like a major distraction from my normal working life, especially after C19 got started and I discovered that there are some really good writers producing fanfic. (I’m a fan from N&S 2005).
BTW, don’t forget to let us C19′ers know the launch date. I’m looking forward to the tea & scones you promised us…
C Says:
Of course John Thornton (2005 version) was the original Calendar Boy…..
Glad to see there is an absence of chocolate on this blog page! Congratulations on the abseil, too - a brilliant achievement (like the book).
C
Phillipa Says:
Ilsa - you need to email me about the tea and scones. Can you get in touch with me via lostin1855 or Welshvalley or Maggie please?
P x
duckface Says:
Hey Pip
as always
who would have thought…. all those months ago. Its been a real roller coster of a ride and I wouldn’t have missed it for anything. Congratulations on your book. I wonder if RA has any idea what he started…..
Love DF x
Anonymous Says:
C19?? What is that then?
stella Says:
There’s always some bloke to blame, isn’t there?
And now part two…
Lostin1855 Says:
He has a lot to answer for, that smouldering mill owner…