Had a fantastic evening as usual with Ann Cleeves at The Collection in Lincoln.
Came away with two (signed) books; The Crow Trap and The Seagull (her latest Vera). The Seagull is her 8th Vera novel and as with previous events with Ann she gave a wonderful talk.
The novel is based in 1995 Whitley Bay (the North East); which I remember having a few nights out in around 1992/3. I hope it wasn't based on any of our outings...
I think I have heard Ann say before that she never plots. I always think that is the way I will do it, but usually end up running out of steam after a few chapters. The personality of Vera came quickly to her and, although Ann says she has little in common with Vera, she notes how each of us are carrying baggage of one sort or another around with us.
She told us that although she writes without too much plotting as she goes along, she will go back and add hints and extras to the story once it is finished.
Someone asked about 'Writers Block', which she admitted to occasionally suffering from. She said you just need to accept that the bad days will pass and suggests going for a walk to forget about it for a while, or take long train journeys. She also gave the (usual) suggestions of reading a lot and reading widely!! And finishing (writing) the novel once you start it!
Why Crime Novels? Because there is a sense of order being restored at the end, of justice having been done. Murder / Suspects / Resolution. Ann feels they are the social novels of our time.
She was asked about writing Shetland and the Vera novels and she replied she always has a rest in between them and then going back is like meeting old friends.
She compared writing to riding a wall of death -
its fine until you think about it!
I came away more determined than ever to finish that novel this year before the big 50 and I have pinned the above photo to my noticeboard in the (so called) Creative Room!
