Sunday 10 May 2015

FAVOURITES By LINDA MITCHELMORE

Favourites.....we all have them, whether it be a food, a drink, a flower, a place or a friend. Or a book? A book we wrote ourselves, perhaps? I've had four novels and two novellas published now (with a signed contract on another novel - ALL THE BLUE SAPPHIRES - for which I'm waiting for edits). I've been asked to blog on numerous blogs as each book or novella got to publication day.I've only ever been asked to answer questions about a particular book, its characters or setting, its plot or, perhaps, the inspiration for the story. I've never been asked to compare one of my books against the others as many top-name authors are in one-page interviews in magazines like Woman's Weekly Fiction Special and Good Housekeeping. (In your dreams, Linda!)Our books are our babies, aren't they? How can you compare? We don't compare our children, or admit to loving one more than another, do we? But don't we all have a soft spot for the child (or book) who struggles; the one who doesn't, perhaps, achieve as the others achieve? So....I am asking myself the question - 'Which was your favourite book to write, Linda?' I can answer in a heartbeat - RED IS FOR RUBIES. It's a contemporary novel, set in the glorious South Hams in Devon. It is written around the world of art(ceramics and paintings) and has no less than four love stories running through it. There is lost, but never forgotten, love. There is the desire to love again having once been burnt. There is lust at first glance that turns into love. There is love that dies in an instant with a very public revelation. And this book has its dark themes running through it as well - mental health issues and deafness. In this book my main female character is older than those in my other books. She is almost fifty and perhaps that's the reason it's not selling nearly as well as my other novels and novellas. Hugely successful saga writer, June Tate, gave me a glowing review for RED IS FOR RUBIES - with which I am thrilled. Somebody loves my Lydie and Ralph, Jonty, Becca, Grace, Drew, and the others. They were all very real to me when I was writing them and in my heart I believe this book has more emotional depth than the others. I still believe in Lydie and I know women of a certain age will equate to her life, her problems, her reasons for doing what she does. Like that child who struggles at sport, or academically, or in relationships, I'm not giving up on her yet!

17 comments:

  1. I'm amazed that Red is For Rubies is struggling, Linda - I absolutely loved it, for all the reasons you highlight. I loved the emotional complexity and was absolutely gutted when... oops, no spoilers!

    I confess that I have favourites too. The one I've just finished a draft of is my favourite so far, though not the best, to the point at which I'm struggling to start on the one following it because I don't want to leave it behind.

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    1. Thanks, Jennifer....it's probably a flooded market or it came out at the wrong time. It's gone to audio so I'm hopeful for large print as well....fingers crossed.

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  2. I'm amazed that Red is For Rubies is struggling, Linda - I absolutely loved it, for all the reasons you highlight. I loved the emotional complexity and was absolutely gutted when... oops, no spoilers!

    I confess that I have favourites too. The one I've just finished a draft of is my favourite so far, though not the best, to the point at which I'm struggling to start on the one following it because I don't want to leave it behind.

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  3. I haven't read Red is For Rubies - yet. Now, knowing how you feel about it, Linda, has bumped it up the tbr pile.
    I haven't written enough books to have a favourite!

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    1. It's impossible to read everyone's, Mary......my tbr pile is pretty embarrassing, too... :)

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  4. I see why you have such a soft spot for Red is for Rubies. It's a lovely, moving story. As a debut novelist I'm very grateful for all your advice, enthusiasm and support even when you had so many other things to deal with. Thanks, Linda - a facebook friend who I like to think is a real friend. x

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    1. Oh, how lovely to see you on here, Guernsey Girl.....and for your kind words. I'm so glad you enjoyed RIFR, and many thanks for popping by to say so.... :)

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  5. It sounds right up my street, Linda - I'll certainly be buying it! As to what sells and what doesn't - I'm always at a loss. Off to download a copy right now!

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    1. I think, Jenny, we need an awful lot of luck in there with the talent.... :)

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  6. Interesting thoughts Linda. I've never asked myself if I have a favourite book amongs those I've written and now I feel guilty even thinking of it (just like your analogy of a favourite child). But I can tell I'm going to be pondering on it nevertheless!

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    1. Good....which is what these blog posts are all for, eh? :)

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  7. I loved that book, Linda, and who knows why certain books hit a sweet spot with readers more than others. Angela Britnell

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    1. Thanks for popping by, Angela - lovely to see you here. So glad you liked RIFR.

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  8. Interesting, Linda. No, we don't compare our children, but I can see that one can be justified in comparing what we gifted the world entirely through our imaginations (our books). Red is for Rubies sounds a fab book!

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    1. Love the thought that we 'gift the world' with our books! We should spread that about a bit, I think. Thanks very much for popping by to comment.

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  9. I think love in every decade of life is fascinating ... who are we kidding, we all grow older by the minute. This sounds like an awesome story, Linda - well done for not being age-ist!

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