Welcome to my Blog, Sue, it is a pleasure to meet you! I have a particular fondness of Cornwall, especially the rugged coast. Please tell us more about your writing; when did your passion start and what books have you written?
“I’ve written ever since I could read I think, but I wrote my first novel at the age of 30. I am an author of four books on Cornish walks: Discover Cornwall, Walks in the Footsteps of Cornish Writers, Walks in the Footsteps of Poldark and I have recently finished Walks in the Footsteps of Daphne du Maurier.”
They sound fascinating, a blend of Cornish walks combined with Classic Literature. As a fellow walker myself, I am intrigued. What inspired you to choose this genre or subject?
“I started writing walks for Cornwall Today and it sort of went there – it wasn’t a conscious decision! I work in the mornings at my desk which is in the bedroom. If I’m on deadlines I write at all times of day!”
Need I ask who your favourite authors are and what is your favourite all time book?
“With regards books, I don’t have one favourite, but lots that I read over and over. I particularly love A Year of Marvellous Ways by Sarah Winman and A Year of Pleasures by E Berg. Both very wise, diverse and unusual. I love Mary Wesley, Daphne du Maurier, Winston Graham, Elizabeth Berg, Angela Lambert, Sarah Winman, Cole Moreton – and many more!
Good choices, especially Winston Graham. Did I mention, I am a Poldark fan? The characters are unforgettable. It must be fun researching your books, how much do you do?
“Lots! I read all the writer has written before I start planning the books to get a feel of what their work is like.”
What about the places you feature in your books, e.g. Walks in the Footsteps of Poldark? Can you tell us of any we might recognise from the TV series?
“You’d have to read the book for that, as each walk reflects a different location – and there are too many of them to mention here!”
What about the planning? Do you work out a strict outline or just start writing?
“Given that I write walks, each chapter is a different walk, so it has to be fairly structured.”
What’s the best advice about writing you were ever given?
“Don’t give up.”
I guess that is sound advice. So what other hobbies do you enjoy apart from writing?
“Walking, singing, sailing, going to the cinema, and I would love to travel more. The most beautiful place I have ever visited is Sri Lanka.”
What is your current project i.e. what are you writing now?
“I’m just starting to write a book on Rosamunde Pilcher’s Cornwall, and I’m just finishing an article on organ donation. Two very diverse pieces of work!”
Hmm, they do sound very diverse, not to mention challenging! Do you network with any other authors or attend any writers’ groups or conventions?
“Yes, I meet with other authors when I can and my next Lit Fest is at Looe in November where I’m giving a talk and singing.”
This leads me to ask, have you ever met anyone famous in the writing world?
“I’ve interviewed Lionel Shriver, Ian Rankin, Bill Bryson, Patrick Gale, Philip Marsden and many more authors but some of them were phone interviews.”
Some top names there, especially Bill Bryson who has written some really entertaining travel guides. It must be a joy to write about something you are passionate about and I envy you living in Cornwall. I will end this interview by sharing a few links to Sue’s recent works:
Latest book: Walks in the Footsteps of Poldark
http://www.sigmapress.co.uk/PBSCProduct.asp?ItmID=20378576
Walks in the Footsteps of Cornish Writers
http://www.sigmapress.co.uk/PBSCProduct.asp?ItmID=14265358
For other books and more information, visit:
http://www.suekittow.co.uk
www.flowerpotdays.blogspot.com
Lastly, a big thank you for joining me today, Sue and I wish you the very best in your future writing adventures. It will be a pleasure to revisit Cornwall again one day and when we do, we’ll definitely be following one of your ‘walks in the footsteps of Poldark!’
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