I was my great pleasure recently to interview Linda Finlay on behalf of Frost Magazine – a pleasure made all the more so because I am such a fan. So off we go.
Your characters and their lives always seem so authentic, how much research do you do before you write your books? Do you visit the locations that books are set?
I spend many weeks researching the period my characters live in, everything from dress to what they eat. Each story has a craft woven into it which I undertake to learn – albeit some with better results than others! However, it does mean I have an understanding of what motivates my heroines and what is involved in their day-to-day lives. I am immensely grateful to all the very talented crafts people I have met who, without exception, have been generous in passing on their knowledge. I am proud to say I have visited the locations mentioned, again in the hope my stories reflect their authenticity.
What book of yours was the most fun to write and why ? I have loved writing each book but if pushed, would have to say The Girl with the Red Ribbon was the most fun, not least because I had to learn about charms and enchantments, the effects of the moon on the earth, not to mention creating a fictitious asylum on Dartmoor. I’m not sure what that says about me though!
Your characters always have such unique beautiful names, how do you come up with them ? I do think names add to the feel of a story and wherever possible, try to use those that are endemic to the area and era I am writing about.
What do you like to do in your spare time ? I am lucky to live by the coast and like nothing better than strolling along the seashore, plotting the next part of my current novel whilst indulging in the delicious Devonshire ice cream. I also adore cooking fish bought straight from the local boats. I relax by knitting whilst indulging a box set and glass of wine.
Do you like to read ? If so what genre/ author? I love reading anything from Regency Romance to Spells Bibles and would be lost without my local library. I have so many favourite authors, I’d be afraid of omitting one here.
What West Country location is your favourite to visit ? St Mawes on The Roseland Peninsula, for sailing, scenery and seafood and then crossing the Causeway from Marazion to St Michael’s Mount for its tranquillity.
What does 2021 have in store for you ? Seeing family and friends again has to be the priority and I can’t wait. Then hopefully a self-catering holiday with some sailing on the Fal. Then more research for my next novel.
What nugget of advice would you give to any aspiring writer ? Believe in yourself and never give up. Also take advice when it is offered – I’m so glad I did.
Have you always loved to write ? What prompted you to start writing your amazing books ? Thank you for the compliment. Although I’ve always loved to write (and even won a newspaper competition whilst at school) it wasn’t until my husband was seriously ill and I had to give up my business that I began creating short stories. Amazingly they were commissioned by women’s magazines and then the story I was writing about lacemaking grew and grew, eventually becoming my first novel The Royal Lacemaker. My lovely Nan used to say that when one door closes another opens – how very right she was.
How long does it take for you to write a book ? Do you have a strict schedule that you stick to ? I average two books a year, although lockdown restrictions on publishing meant I only had one published last year. I’m at my most creative first thing in the morning and love to write as the sun is rising over the water – sometimes during the summer that can be as early as 4 am. But, of course, there are always strict deadlines to meet.
If you could live for a week in any of your books, which one would you chose and why? It would have to be Colenso in the Bonbon Girl. Living the life of a Romany, travelling the lanes of Cornwall, visiting the local fairs and foraging for food would be exciting – not to mention the fun of making all those sweets.
If you could invite any 3 people, real or fictional to a dinner party, who would you invite and what would you serve ?
The Queen to learn about the woman behind the royal persona, Beatrix Potter for her wonderful story telling and to hear about the land she left to the nation along with David Attenborough to hear what we should be doing to save it. And Tim Peake who could tell us where in space we can go if we don’t manage to. (sorry I never could count.) I would serve a platter of local seafood, aioli made with wild garlic and home-made bread, followed by strawberries with Devon clotted cream. All washed down with a bottle of bubbly or three!
The Girl with the Silver Bangle by Linda Finlay is out in paperback, kindle and audio.