The overbearing master…or how it all began.

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.)

Comments

1. On July 31st, 2007 at 12:00 am
   stella Says:
   

   There’s always some bloke to blame, isn’t there? 😉

   And now part two… 🙂

2. On April 30th, 2011 at 12:00 am
   Lostin1855 Says:
   

   He has a lot to answer for, that smouldering mill owner…

3. On May 31st, 2004 at 12:00 am
   Anonymous Says:
   

   C19?? What is that then?

4. On November 30th, -0001 at 12:00 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…

5. On May 31st, 2001 at 12:00 am
   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

6. On October 31st, 2003 at 12:00 am
   duckface Says:
   

   Hey Pip
   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….. 🙂
   as always
   Love DF x

7. On November 30th, -0001 at 12:00 am
   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

8. On May 13th, 2009 at 8:19 am
   Janey Says:
   

   Just read all your books in one go and really loved them. One of them actually inspired me to next year’s vacation (a campertour through Cornwall :)). I’m a member of the C19 board myself but I couldn’t find your fanfic there. 🙁 Is it still out there? I’d love to read it.