New York Times Bestselling Author Barbara Taylor Bradford, who recently put her $2 million dollar jewelry collection up for sale through Bonham’s Auction House in England, graciously answered a few questions for Bookfinds about her latest release, SECRETS FROM THE PAST. This bestselling author of more than 25 novels, ten of which have been made into television mini-series, talks about inspiration, writing habits, and the best piece of writing advice she ever received.
Tell us the story behind the story. How did SECRETS FROM THE PAST come to be?
I was on summer holiday with Bob two years ago. We were in the South of France and it was August. There was an incredible heatwave and we were forced to stay inside for a few days. This was the time when the Arab Spring was at its height. TV coverage for the tensions in Libya and Egypt were round-the-clock. As a former journalist, I was so proud to see so many outstanding women reporters covering the conflicts. CNN, Sky News, the BBC all had women on the scene, reporting each attack and violent incident. I was glued to the TV for days. The journalist in me wanted to run over to the middle east to cover the story, but Bob wasn’t about to let me run into harm’s way. Instead, I elected to write a story about a woman photojournalist in Libya, burnt out and coping with a lover who suffers from PTSD (from his own experience on the front lines).
What was the most challenging aspect of writing SECRETS FROM THE PAST?
I had to balance this as a story which would prove authentic to those who followed the violence in the middle east, while at the same time entertaining my readers who expect a women’s fiction novel with a bit of romance. Not an easy task. I also did something unusual for this novel. I wrote the story in the voice of my protagonist, Serena. She is the narrator and the storyteller. I hadn’t done this since a book called Dangerous To Know some 20 years ago.
What is the message you want readers to take away from your book?
Women can succeed at any profession… even covering violence in the world’s most dangerous of places. All of my novels have been about ordinary women who go on to accomplish great things in their lives. My protagonist, Serena, is no different. She is the daughter of a legendary photographer, seeking to make a name for herself, while also repairing a volatile relationship, and later seeking to uncover a shocking family mystery. She is a conqueror of all facets of her life.
Describe your writing schedule. Do you outline? Any habits?
When I’m starting a book, I always create an outline with the major story elements, and a list and history of all the primary and secondary characters. I might change course of the writing of the novel, but the outline is invaluable to me. As for a writing schedule, I generally get up around 5:30am each day and work until around 12:30, take a short break for lunch, then resume writing until late afternoon. I never write at night. I leave that time open to spend with my husband, and to socialize with friends. I do all my creating at an IBM Lexmark typewriter, then have it all transferred to the computer. I still feel most comfortable working at a typewriter.
What books are on your nightstand? What are you currently reading?
I’m not reading a lot while I’m on deadline (which I am now for my next book). I just recently completed an historical look at the life of the Bronte sisters, entitled: The Brontes: Wild Genius on the Moors: The Story of a Literary Family by Juliet Barker.
Which authors inspire you?
For her remarkable output, I love Mary Higgins Clark. She is always turning out a great mystery year-after-year. Daniel Silva is one of my favorites to read. His spy novels have me on the edge of my chair to the end of each story. Patricia Cornwell isn’t just a great storyteller, but also a great resource for learning the latest in criminal investigative technique.
What have you learned from this experience?
I would have to say that I’ve found a new appreciation for all war correspondents around the globe. I always knew about the potential dangers of this profession, but after the tragic death of Marie Colvin, I realized all the more how fragile this life can be. The experience of all those journalists who were held hostage at a Libyan hotel is yet another example of the hazards of covering a national uprising.
What is your advice for aspiring writers?
My first reaction is to tell would-be writers to always have a back-up plan because most aspiring authors will not have successful careers as authors. The odds of getting a manuscript represented by an agent are only 10%. Finding a publisher is even more daunting. And having a successful novel that leads to a writing career is extraordinarily remote. That said, I believe in the system where talent will always rise to the top. If you are exceptional as a storyteller, find yourself a writer’s group, or hire a reputable editor and polish that manuscript until it shines like Las Vegas Blvd. at night. Don’t even think about trying to find an agent for representation until your work is truly ready to be seen.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
The English novelist, Graham Greene once stated in an interview that “Character Is Plot.” Up to that point in my career, I was trying to write good stories and slot in my characters. After reading this piece of advice I came to realize that your characters are your story! From there, I came up with Emma Harte as my plot for A Woman Of Substance. Emma’s life was the plot. It wasn’t a story which just happened to have a strong character.
What are you working on now?
I’m writing a novel set back to the 1920s about a fascinating English family at the center of the industrial revolution. The book will be called, Cavendon Hall. It’s more in the tradition of some of my earliest works – big sweeping family sagas with lots of history and intrigue mixed in.
Thank you, Barbara, for taking the time to answer our questions and for writing books that have been adored for years.
