Hello Lydia, great to see you here, especially as like me, you are a fan of the wonderful Downton Abbey – from a writing point of view, what is it you like about the series – the characters, plotlines or setting…?
When I read, I prefer setting interspersed around
dialogue and action and (don’t hate me) often find myself glossing overreally
long descriptive paragraphs – something I probably shouldn’t admit as an
author.That said, I absolutely adore the
setting of Downton Abbey which surprises me. I think the story and plotlines
could take place in any era with a few tweaks (even in modern day with nannies,
maids and cleaning ladies) so for me, it is the stunning setting which is the
most captivating.
Yes,
it is beautiful, isn’t it? So, out of the characters, which would you like to be able to take the credit
for creating, and why?
I love Daisy’s character. She’s so sweet and tries to
do the right thing and is constantly thwarted. I really, really hope she ends
up living on the farm with her father-in-law! We’re a season behind here in Canada
My
lips are sealed! Out of all the characters you have created, which is your favourite?
I love Becky in my debut
novel, Redesigning Rose. She’s spunky and feisty and comes to Rose’s rescue.
She takes her in and helps her heal. And although she’s a bit, uhm, difficult
at times, I would love to have a friend like her as she is so completely
different to me. Not to mention that she’s a whole lot of fun!
Sounds
like a great read! Why do you think Downton Abbey has become so popular and
when writing do you consider your target readers and consciously try to make
the book appealing to them?
I think its popularity
stems from the unique glimpse into both the glamorous lifestyle of those living
upstairs as well as the lives of those who wait on them downstairs. There is
something for everyone with this show whether to relate to or envy. Of course,
that it is visually stunning doesn’t hurt either.
I think it is natural to
want to target readers, but I think writing for yourself and staying true to
your voice and style is important. Coming up with a unique idea and running
with it is one thing. Concocting one just because you think it will sell and
forcing yourself into that writing box is another completely, and one I tend
not to practise. If I have to live with these characters and this idea for what
could be years, I have to like it myself!
What
is your writing fantasy? Mine is to have one of my novels adapted for TV or the
big screen.
Watching the Oscars
faithfully every year, I drool over the best adapted screen play, dreaming of
one day having my name displayed as the author of the novel, or - heavens help
me - walking up on stage with those who transformed my novel into a screenplay.
I’d also settle for being on the NY Times Best Sellers List. Not asking for
much, am I?
Well,
dreams are important! Who would you cast as the hero/heroine (or both) in you
latest book, Redesigning Rose?
I’m actually going to
steal from Downton now! I think Joanne Froggatt would make a brilliant Rose.
In
the 1970s Julian Fellowes, the creator of Downton Abbey, used to write romantic
novels under the name of Rebecca Greville. Would you like to write a different
genre under a pseudonym?
When I first started
writing, I began with crime novels, specifically serial killer type material.
Yep. That’s actually true. Then I discovered Bridget Jones and found myself
unable to write anything else and I’m not sure I could - or want to - at this point.
Watching James Patterson evolve though, is a pseudonym even necessary anymore
with his titles expanding to include “First Love” and “The Christmas Wedding.”
Although, then again, he is James Patterson.
Fellowes
used to do a lot of acting (and was even in Fantasy Island!) Have you any other
creative talents?
I’ve recently discovered
I’m not horrible with a camera. I also enjoy knitting and cooking, both of
which can be creative. Don’t ask me to draw or paint something, though, unless
you want a good laugh. Although I can splatter paint on a canvas like nobody’s
business if you don’t mind abstract. I’m very good at that!
Carson
or Mrs Hughes?
Mrs Hughes!
Upstairs
or Downstairs?
Fine dining in divine
dresses and lounging in bed reading while breakfast is brought to you? Sign me
up! Never mind that I wouldn’t survive one night in those tiny beds downstairs!
Dinner
with Hugh Bonneville or Maggie Smith?
Can I have high tea with
Maggie Smith instead? I can listen to an older women talk about their lives for
hours on end and to do so with such an icon over mini sandwiches,
scones and a cuppa? Heaven.
Thank
you so much for joining me, Lydia! I’ll just ring for Carson and he will see
you out…!
