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Post by catherine daly on Mar 21, 2005 19:08:21 GMT
Sarah will be online from 8pm on Thursday 31st march to answer your questions.
If you can't get to a computer then, post your question now. She'll answer as many as possible on the night!
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Post by SarahW on Mar 29, 2005 19:52:40 GMT
Hi Everyone, I look forward to answering your questions on Thursday eve at 8pm Irish time. And do post your questions even if you can't join me on Thurs. I look forward to 'talking' to you. Best wishes, Sarah www.sarahwebb.infoIt Had to Be You, to be published April 18th 2005
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Post by Mary on Mar 30, 2005 10:19:30 GMT
Hi Sarah, I've a few questions for you. I won't be online unfortunately as I'm busy Thursday night. Here are the questions I've been wondering about:
1. As a successful writer, you must spend alot of time on your own. Do you find this very difficult? 2. Is it advisable to write under your own name or would you recommend using a pseudonym? 3. Do you consider writing to be a gift a person is born with? Is it possible to learn the craft?
Thanks a million, Sarah. Mary.
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Post by claire on Mar 30, 2005 11:07:25 GMT
Hi Sarah, Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your piece on homebirths! In Holland everyone has their babies at home, well almost everyone I was a total 'failure', not only did I have to go to the hospital but ended up with a c-section. In this country every village/town has a midwife pratice that works closely with the hospitals. Some people even give birth in hospital and go home a couple of hours later! Very few stay over night. Are your childrens books written under your own name? I'm always on the lookout for a good book for the kids. My Amy got a beautiful one for her birthday by Emma Thomson Felicity wishes- Snowflakes and Sparkledust, a real little girls book. Well Ill try to think of some questions for tomorrow, but I'm not very good at it. See you then. Claire
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marie
Full Member
Posts: 84
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Post by marie on Mar 30, 2005 12:31:14 GMT
Hi Sarah
How long do you spend planning your novels?
Marie
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Post by Bernadette on Mar 31, 2005 17:14:38 GMT
Hi Sarah, Sorry I can't make it tonight - but wanted to ask how long it takes you to write one of your books. And do you have to rewrite many times? Thanks, Bernadette
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Post by Cleo on Mar 31, 2005 17:16:58 GMT
Hi Sarah, I have a question: I'm trying to write a book but I keep getting stuck on the first few chapters and then going back over them. But I'm still not happy with them. Is this common? Should I keep going until I'm happy with them or keep writing the book? What do you think? I'd be grateful for any feedback. Many thanks, Cleo D
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Post by Karena on Mar 31, 2005 17:31:48 GMT
Hi Sarah, I have a girl who is nearly two. What books are good for her? You ahve a girl that age. Thanks Karena.
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Post by SarahW on Mar 31, 2005 18:43:24 GMT
Hi All, I'm nipping upstairs to put Amy, my two year old, in bed. So see you at 8 I hope or just after. Best, Sarah 'It Had to Be You' published 15th April in paperback
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Post by charlie on Mar 31, 2005 19:10:43 GMT
Hi Sarah What book did you enjoy writing the most and have you a fav character? Is It Had To Be You available in paperback in the UK then aswell Thank you Charlie.
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Post by SarahW on Mar 31, 2005 19:11:08 GMT
Hi,
Back again! Amy won't go to bed and has just a/ emptied the ash bin from the fire place all over the floor and b (and I have no idea how she did this) broken the bulb in one of my lamps.
But, ignoring that - hi! Catherine can't join us tonight - she's still on holidays in France (I think). So first of all thanks to Catherine for inviting me to do this. The Irish Girls website is great and I really enjoying dipping in when I should be writing.
Please do ask me anything you like - about books, writing - anything really. I'll answer some of the questions that are already posted first if that's ok and then I'll answer any other questions you post this evening as I read them.
I'm a bit nervous so apologies for any typos etc.
Best, Sarah
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Post by SarahW on Mar 31, 2005 19:15:15 GMT
Hi Charlie, There's a Charlie in my new book - Take A Chance - it's one of the sister's nicknames. So there you go!
Which book did I enjoy writing the most? To be honest, it's hard to pick one as I loved writing them all. And the one I'm working on at present is always dearest to my heart as it's the one I'm thinking about the most. Saying that, I do love 'Always the Bridesmaid' as it was quite personal to me - based on my sister's wedding. I also had post natal depression after my son was born so the depression bit was nb to me also.
Fav character? At the moment it's Mia, the youngest sister in my new book out in Aug - Take A Chance - about an Abba tribute band and the 3 sisters who run it.
And yes, It had to be you will be out on April 15th in UK. Phew! I'd better speed up my typing I think. Thanks for the questions, Charlie. Best, Sarah
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Post by SarahW on Mar 31, 2005 19:16:22 GMT
Hi Sarah
How long do you spend planning your novels?
Marie
Hi Marie,
Thanks for your question.
How long do I spend planning my novels?
The central ‘idea’ for a novel - and this can sometimes be a theme, a plot, a setting, or a character - comes first. I mull over this ‘idea’ for ages - usually while I’m writing another book. As I write a book a year, I’m always thinking of the next book you see. And I’m quite an impatient person by nature, so I’m always dying to start the next book.
I love planning new books, that’s the fun part. I’m lucky in that I don’t find it difficult to come up with ideas or characters - I love inventing new worlds and new people. It’s like creating your own soap opera or drama. The difficult part for me is actually sitting down and putting each word, sentence and chapter in place.
I used to plan my books quite carefully. I did a detailed plot outline for my first book, ‘Three Times a Lady’; and I always do detailed character sketches for each of my characters, even now. But I don’t plot the books now. I know the beginning, the ending and some scenes in between. But then I let the story progress at its own pace and I allow the characters take over. It’s kinda fun not knowing myself what’s going to happen next. In the new book which is about to come out in paperback, ‘It Had to Be You’, several things happened that I hadn’t planned at all - but they seemed to work!
I have a special notebook for each of my books, where I write my character sketches long hand and also keep inspirational photos, paintings and things relating to my ‘theme’. In my ‘Take a Chance’ notebook for example I had the sleeve of an Abba CD as the book is all about Abba. And I also had several Abba biogs to hand on my desk and an old Arrival LP cover (the one with the helicopter on it - my favourite Abba cover). The books’ coming out in August and I loved writing it - I’m a huge Abba fan! And the cover is fab - I must get Catherine to post it - I’ll send it to her tomorrow.
Thanks again for the question, Marie.
All the best, Sarah
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Post by Donna on Mar 31, 2005 19:18:48 GMT
Sarah, do you choose your own covers? Which is your favoruite? Donna
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Post by Michelle on Mar 31, 2005 19:19:07 GMT
Hi Sarah,
Typically speaking if you were going to right a book do you try to seperate your own experiences from those of the main characters and how do you provide for a lack of experiences if you come across such a situation during the development of a situation? Thanks, Michelle
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Post by Oonagh on Mar 31, 2005 19:21:18 GMT
hi where are ye all?
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Post by SarahW on Mar 31, 2005 19:23:31 GMT
Typically speaking if you were going to right a book do you try to seperate your own experiences from those of the main characters and how do you provide for a lack of experiences if you come across such a situation during the development of a situation? Thanks, Michelle
Hi Michelle, Thanks for your question. Interesting one. If you come across something that you don't know about while you're writing - for expample if your character wants to go sailing across the Atlantic - you have to do some research. Reading books on the subject, talking to someone who has done this or someone who sails etc - in my experience people love talking about their passion/s. And no, you don't have to stick with what you know. In my next book I created an Abba tribute band and interviewed a guy who runs one and also went to see one. And then I just used my imagination. Best of luck with the writing. The best advice I can give is - chose something you are interested in subject wise (eg horse riding) find out about it and go for it!Good luck! Sarah
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Post by Oonagh on Mar 31, 2005 19:23:34 GMT
I think the time is wrong!does it say 2 o clockIm so confused some one please help me.
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Post by SarahW on Mar 31, 2005 19:24:45 GMT
Hi Oonagh, What's up, girl? How are ye? (Cork speak!) Sarah
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Post by SarahW on Mar 31, 2005 19:25:29 GMT
Oonagh, the clock on this site is always wonky - I must ask Catherine to fix it - ignore it. Sarah
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Post by SarahW on Mar 31, 2005 19:26:22 GMT
Hi Sarah,
I've a few questions for you. I won't be online unfortunately as I'm busy Thursday night. Here are the questions I've been wondering about:
1. As a successful writer, you must spend alot of time on your own. Do you find this very difficult? 2. Is it advisable to write under your own name or would you recommend using a pseudonym? 3. Do you consider writing to be a gift a person is born with? Is it possible to learn the craft?
Thanks a million, Sarah. Mary. Hi Mary,
Thanks for posting your most interesting questions. Hope your own writing is going well.
You asked three things - 1/ Do I find spending so much time alone writing difficult? 2/ Would I suggest a pen name? 3/ Do I think writing is a gift or can you learn the craft?
Writing can be a lonely old business all right, but I make sure to spend lots of time out in the big bad world as well as stuck at my desk. As well as writing novels, I also write articles and reviews for several magazines such as Woman’s Way and Inis, a specialist children’s book magazine. I also work as a children’s book consultant - I was in the book business for many years - and I’m currently working for a big Irish book chain and advising them on their children’s departments, which I’m enjoying. I also run the local Ladybirds (baby girl guides). And of course, I’m a member of the Irish Girls - a group of published Irish women writers - and we meet up for dinners and drinks every two months or so. And that’s fun. But I also do love sitting at my desk and writing my books. I feel very grateful that I have so many lovely readers, and I think of them when I’m tapping away at the keyboards. I adore writing, but love having the balance of writing and ‘real’ life. I hope this answers that question, Mary.
Using a pen name. Actually, I was almost Sarah Keane! Webb comes so far down the alphabet you see and from shelving point of view, this is not always great (once a bookseller, always a bookseller). But I decided I liked my name and that I would stick with it. Many writers do have pen names. Jaye Carroll for example is Michael Carroll; Anna Dillon is Michael Scott; Tina Reilly is Martina Murphy. So - whatever you are happy with. I think your own name is excellent as it has 2 M’s - Mary Malone - and is easy to say, write and spell!
Do I think writing is a gift, or can you learn the craft?
A very interesting question. I think so think writing, like any art, is a God-given gift. However saying that, I also think that if you have 1/ some talent and the determination to learn, and 2/ are prepared to work really hard, learn the craft of fiction writing and put the hours in, then you can write a book. The Australian writer Bryce Courtenay has several writing rules and one is ‘he who possesses the best bum glue wins’. He’s quite right! For more information on the craft of writing commercial fiction I always recommend Stephen King’s ‘On Writing’ and a newish book, ‘Write Away’ by Elizabeth George - both excellent books. But as Stephen King says- if you want to be a writer, you’ve got to be a reader. And I agree with this wholeheartedly.
Writing is great fun, but it’s also damn hard work and I think there is too much emphasis put on getting published at the moment. Writing for its own sake is also very important. Write firstly for yourself, and because you love it. Secondly for your audience/readers. And thirdly for publishers/agents/the market.
Thanks again for your questions, Mary. Talk to you soon.
Sarah
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Post by Oonagh on Mar 31, 2005 19:26:24 GMT
Well (as they say in Dundalk).Grand alll fairly boring running around Im going out tonight all dressed and make up done and I dont have to go for half an hour
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Post by claire on Mar 31, 2005 19:26:31 GMT
Hi Oonagh Don't mind the time up there, it's got something to do with an american site. Where I am it's 21.25 which makes it 20.25 in Ireland. How are you doning? It's nice to see so many here tonight
Claire
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Post by Oonagh on Mar 31, 2005 19:28:44 GMT
Did ya enjoy my last email Sarah very exciting life I do lead? Not back up in dundalk next week again back to college .oh well enjoying cork
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molly
New Member
Posts: 2
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Post by molly on Mar 31, 2005 19:28:48 GMT
Hi Sarah, Is it true writers have to get used to rejection? How do you cope with it? Molly
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Post by SarahW on Mar 31, 2005 19:28:58 GMT
Hi Claire and OOnagh, thanks for joining us. Oonagh - hope you have a fab night later. Where are you going? Claire, I'll answer your earlier question (hope it's the same Claire!). Sarah
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Post by SarahW on Mar 31, 2005 19:30:05 GMT
Hi Sarah, Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your piece on homebirths! In Holland everyone has their babies at home, well almost everyone I was a total 'failure', not only did I have to go to the hospital but ended up with a c-section. In this country every village/town has a midwife pratice that works closely with the hospitals. Some people even give birth in hospital and go home a couple of hours later! Very few stay over night. Are your childrens books written under your own name? I'm always on the lookout for a good book for the kids. My Amy got a beautiful one for her birthday by Emma Thomson Felicity wishes- Snowflakes and Sparkledust, a real little girls book. Well Ill try to think of some questions for tomorrow, but I'm not very good at it. See you then. Claire Hi Claire, this is your question from earlier! Thanks for the post about the home birth article on my website www.sarahwebb.info I had my daughter, Amy-Rose at home and it was a great, life affirming experience for me. It wasn’t easy by any means but I was so proud of myself afterwards. I sat at my own kitchen table eating a sandwich, chatting with my midwife - only an hour after having Amy-Rose. It was lovely to be in my own environment and I felt very safe and in control. (I’m a bit of a control freak to be honest!) I’m so glad your children enjoy books. I love them myself and couldn’t imagine life without books. It’s lovely you’ve passed on your love of books to them. Good on you! By the way, if they like Felicity, they might like the Rainbow Fairies. I’m also a big fan of the Judy Moody books and the Clarice Bean books - all for girls of 6 to 9ish. Best and thanks for posting, Claire, Sarah
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Post by claire on Mar 31, 2005 19:30:11 GMT
Where ae you off to Oonagh?
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Post by Oonagh on Mar 31, 2005 19:30:15 GMT
Hi Claire, how are ya? where do ya live? Im a bit thickl when it comes to time.
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Post by Oonagh on Mar 31, 2005 19:32:31 GMT
Im going out in Cork city I got paid so.... Heading for the wash and going clubbing to Fast Eddies.Oh I love Fast Eddies.it is great fun.
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