Author Interview: Judy Leigh

Welcome Back, Judy! What a pleasure getting to know you even more… and to know more about your new book and all your writing tips and insights.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and the three genres you write (light-hearted, cozy mysteries and your spooky historical stories). How on earth are you able to do all that you do?

I began writing novels for older women several years ago because I didn’t think that people like my mum were being represented in enough books as real people. I love writing about second chances, the discovery of new lives, fun, friendship and love. And of course, we’re all getting older, so it’s easy to identify with characters who aren’t thirty any more. My publisher asked me if I’d like to write timeslip/ historical novels and I jumped at the chance. I really enjoy the opportunity these books give me to delve into history and to create parallel times and characters. They are written under the pseudonym of Elena Collins, my grandmother’s name. I was then asked if I’d write cozy crime too, and I came up with the Seal Bay series, starring Morwenna the sixty-year-old sleuth who brings new sassiness to crime solving against a gorgeous Cornish backdrop. I love writing them all.

Fans of yours love your warm and light-hearted novels that focus on older protagonists forming friendships and having fun but also making the most of this wonderfully messy life. Are any of your books based on your family members or friends?

Not specifically, no, but life always influences us as writers – we write what we know, what we imagine and what we can find out. I know women and men in their seventies and eighties who have such energy and joie de vivre that it’s inspirational, and from that come my older characters who are feisty and fun.  It’s so nice to write characters that readers tell me feel like new friends. I can’t tell you how much that brings a smile to my face.

Tell us about your most recent novel, The Silver-Haired Sisterhood. What was the inspiration behind it?

A few years ago, I wrote Five French Hens, and so many readers asked me what happens next to Tess, Rose, Della, Jen and Pam. It felt like the right time to return to their lives and take them on a trip to the beautiful Isle of Skye in the winter snow. Time has brought many changes for the hens, not all good ones, but they have each other and they’re survivors…

What feelings does writing about having the second chance at happiness no matter the age evoke for you?

I believe in second chances, and third ones, and fourth. It warms my heart to see people finding happiness with new friends, family or a new love. I’m passionate about inclusivity so championing older people to have adventures and fun inspires me. There are characters in novels whose only function is to be a gran or to bequeath money – that’s fine as a trope, but I want to tell stories that show central figures of every age as cool, sexy, mischievous, attractive and up for some genuine good fun.

Depending on the genre, which novel was the easiest to write? What about the most difficult? And why?

I’d say they all bring an exciting challenge. I’m working hard at making the ‘golden’ books fresh, uplifting and meaningful. I love creating communities or friendship groups who overcome problems and demonstrate loyalty and kindness. The cozy crime is much more mathematical to construct– I love working on dropping clues at the right times – and red herrings – to build tension into the story. I love the character-based Seal Bay series, in which the four generations of Mutton women are such livewires, so the novel is more than just a whodunnit? But researching the historical dual timelines is wonderful. I love travelling, researching, meeting new people, and coming back with a head full of ideas. I think writing the three genres is good for me as a writer – it’s like three very different courses of a great meal that compliment each other.

Do you feel commercial fiction authors are facing particular challenges these days whether it be tied to world issues, technology, or the environment?

I think we’re all faced with those challenges of the environment and what’s happening in the world. This is the age we live in and, as writers, we consider how to represent issues and reflect how they affect people’s lives. Being fair and inclusive in our writing is so important, and telling the truth. I spend a long time thinking and researching. I could write pages on this one…

In your book, The Silver-Haired Sisterhood, who would you cast if it became a movie or series?

There are so many older women who are great actors and I’d be thrilled to have them appear in a film of any of my books. Jennifer Saunders would be great as Tess. I’d love Maureen Lipman to be Rose. Or Joanna Lumley. Della would be played by Adjoa Andoh. Pam would be Imelda Staunton. But Dawn French would be amazing as Morwenna in my Seal Bay series.

What line or passage in your new book, The Silver-Haired Sisterhood stands out for you the most? Do you have any other passages in your books that really stand out for you?

There are so many lines that are messages of positivity in every book. I want people to feel uplifted and that there is always something to feel happy about. In The Silver-Haired Sisterhood, at the end, there’s this one: ‘We’re celebrating life,’ Rose said. ‘Life, every single minute of it. Tell me, girls – is there ever anything better to celebrate than that?’

Your novels are perfect for those book club lovers. In your mind, what makes a good book club pick for discussion?

I think subtext, pivotal plot moments or interpersonal dilemmas are good for debate and analysis in book clubs – also, characters’ motivation, and social issues where the readers can discuss their opinions. I was invited to a book club to discuss The Witch’s Tree recently, and I was fascinated – and a little bit surprised – when the topic of Grace’s ill treatment came up. She’s persecuted as a witch in the seventeenth century. Several members thought what happened to her was her own fault – she was too naïve, and her relationship with Nathaniel was ‘what she wanted.’ (Really?!) Other people were furious, screaming across the table that she’d been abused and exploited. I loved listening in….

When did it dawn on you that you wanted to become a novelist after spending time as a teacher?

Probably when I was three and I first learned to read. I’ve always wanted to write and I used to scribble for fun. I swapped professions when my children left home and jumped at the chance to do a masters and then write my first novel. I knew I could do it. But I was so lucky to meet the right agent and publisher.

How long does it take you from idea to the time you finish your final edit on most of your books? Any secrets behind your process?

When I have an idea, it’s hard not to jump straight in. I write about 41/2 – 5 k words a day, so that may be 20-25 k a week. I have hyper focus, so I don’t do much else other than write once I start. I force myself to slow down and to edit carefully, to walk away and think, then to come back. But the timing of publisher’s edits is dictated by the publication date, so that process is about six months.

Besides getting lost in your writing and spending time with your family or traveling, what else do you love to do?

I’m renovating the old cottage I live in – not single handedly, of course. Recently we ripped out the fireplace and found two old bread ovens. There’s a witches’ mark on one of the walls roo. As a contrast to being a solitary writer, I love being with friends, and I try to walk every day, spend time in the gym, do yoga, cook for others. I practise French and Spanish. I love live music and theatre and film. And reading. Then there are the cats, Murphy, TC and Batface….

Who are some of your favorite authors and why?

I love Cormac McCarthy, Sarah Winman, Bernadine Evaristo, Kamila Shamsie, Madeline Miller, Jonathan Safran Foer. They always take me on a journey and move my heart and soul. And I love the depth of their writing and how they use words to evoke so much. I admire Mary Beard and MC Beaton. And I’ve just discovered Milly Johnson – she’s great fun. I now read much more widely, to research what works for me as a writer. And lots of Boldwood writers inspire me but I daren’t mention names, because I’d leave someone out, and that would be serious.

Do you have any advice you’d like to give to aspiring writers today given the tough competition and all the changes happening in the writing industry?

Absolutely believe in yourself. Don’t give up. All the old cliché A masters is useful but not vital. More importantly, I’d say, is to read widely in the genres you’re writing, and to work out your own style and priorities. Have writing buddies who will be supportive and honest. And always write for your reader and never just for yourself. And finally – have a work ethic, a rhythm or a regime, which ever suits you. Novels don’t write themselves.

For your loyal book fans, what’s next?

I’ve written the next two Seal Bay crime stories and I’m really proud of them – there are some big developments. So, the third book in the series is out in January. It’s called The Cream Tea Killer. In April, The Cornish Witch is published (another Elena Collins) and I promise it will tug at readers’ heartstrings. The new ‘golden’ book is a sequel to The Silver Ladies do Lunch. There’s no title yet but it’s published in June. I think readers will enjoy seeing what Miss Hamilton, Josie, Minnie and Lin are up to in the village. There are some surprising twists and turns and a few new characters in that story. And there are a few more novels in the pipeline…

You can read more about Judy at her website here.