Writing

So, you want to get into writing?

An interview with Author, Giselle Green

Photo Courtesy of K.T Bruce

Giselle Green is an award winning contemporary fiction author. Giselle enjoys creating emotionally-gripping story-lines about family and relationships. She has most recently released ‘The Girl You Forgot’, a love story tackling thought-provoking issues around how we handle loved ones with memory loss. Her debut novel ‘Pandora’s Box’ won the ‘Romantic Novelists' Association New Writer's Award’ in 2008. Her third novel, ‘A Sister's Gift’ achieved best-selling number one status on Amazon kindle, and her seventh, ‘Dear Dad’ was shortlisted for the ‘RNA Romantic Novel of the Year.’

I got the opportunity to interview Giselle, asking her questions on matters that many aspiring writers were curious to know. I would like to thank Giselle for giving up her time to answer these questions and I would also like to thank anyone who asked a question themselves. I hope you find this interview beneficial. 

You can find out more about Giselle on her website: https://gisellegreen.com/

How did you seek out opportunities when you first entered the industry?

Joining the Romantic Novelists’ Association was key for me. I met many other people who were aiming for the same end – it also put me in touch with agents and publishers and gave me face to face contact with people who could help me. I’d always advise people – whatever they’re doing – to join an organisation and get involved with groups of people who want what you want. It helps on the level of moral support and also in many other, more practical ways.  It can also keep you going when you’re flagging, and remind you of what you love about your creative endeavors! Cheerleaders can be very useful.

What led you to follow your creative impulse and create a career from it?

I was working writing on many different levels, as an amateur, for many years before I had my ‘breakthrough back in 2007. Perseverance is the key in this field.

How did you find the confidence to strike out as an author and publish your work?

My first three books were taken on by a publisher – back then self- publishing wasn’t yet a ‘thing.’  They had confidence in my work and pushed it out there. My debut novel had a poster at the London Book fair which was absolutely HUGE. Later on when I came to self-publishing later books, I already felt quite confident in my work. If you’re not confident you could easily be crushed by other people’s opinions, when you start getting unfavourable reviews! It’s not a job for the faint-hearted.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Every book has been different. My latest book The Girl You Forgot came from an article I read. It was about a man who was losing his memories, and it led me to wonder if there’s a part of us that remains intact, even when our ‘identity’ (as per our memories) starts to fade.

Other books come different ways. Little Miracles came when I went for a reiki healing session with a friend and the story just came flooding into my mind, like a film!    

Have there been any real-life situations that have inspired you?

I wouldn’t say so, exactly.  I tend to think about the emotions a scenario will evoke and then use those emotions to make up the story… the actual situation may not be the inspiring thing, but rather what it makes you feel.

How would you describe your creative process - how do you get from an idea to completing a story?

I spend a lot of time thinking about my characters, first off. I need a lot of time, don’t like to be rushed. The beginning bit is the slowest, for me, but the writing gets faster as the story gathers momentum. I half-plan the book, but not very much, I jut know where I’m headed, mainly. I like to listen to music that will evoke certain scenes or emotions.

I’m also a great fan of ‘how to write books!’  Even 7 books in – every time I start, I feel I’ve forgotten how to do it – I need reminding. It always feels like a daunting task.

Do you think it is easy to find jobs / projects that can provide a comfortable wage in the creative industries?

It’s very far from easy. This is true of all the creative fields. People usually have to have another job to get by, and do the creative thing they love almost ‘on the side’.

What motivates you to write?

Who knows? I do it because I want to do it. I always have. I don’t need any external reason to want to write.

What is a common misconception about authors?

One: That they all earn as much money as JK Rowling! Two: that writing is easy and everyone would do it ‘if they had the time’ and that ‘everyone has a book in them’. They don’t! And authors have to be dedicated, like with any passion – there’s no more time in the day, it’s just how you use it.   

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you embarked on your career as an author?

That you don’t always need an agent. That you might wish you didn’t have one! A great agent can be a fantastic asset but a bad one can be worse than none. Tread carefully.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

If you want to do a creative thing, just do it for the joy of it with no thought of the outcome, or concern about ‘earning’ from it. That’s the best route to gaining satisfaction from your artistry, and always keep practicing!

Thank you for reading!