And for Friday we have Eve Harvey, a Children’s Bookseller from Edinburgh, whose unrelenting compulsion to be involved in book related activities often means she misses her tea. She is working on a gripping and inventive sci-fi adventure for 9-12s which allows her to shoot people, in her imagination.
Who/what is your writing inspiration?
I’m inspired by all the books I have read. Each one for different reasons. Sometimes when I put a book down I feel as though I’ve been a part of something magical, I’ve lived in that place and with those characters. I would love to be a part of that process and to create something people believe is real. I’ve also read some downright stinkers, these have inspired me that I can hopefully do better.
Where is your favourite place to write?
I write in my study. I can plan, think, even write snippets anywhere. But when I have to knuckle down, my study is where I do it best. I’m surrounded by floor to ceiling bookcases and I have nicked the huge family dining table on which sits a 65 gallon fish tank filled with fish. The table occasionally creaks ominously which makes me write faster.
What was the last book you read?
Because I’m a Bookseller I’m lucky enough to get books in advance of their release date. Just now, I’m almost finished a book called Undone by Cat Clarke which is due out at the end of January. My daughter loved the cover and made me give her it first. She pinched her cheeks and squeeeed that it was the Best Book Ever Written and then pestered and pestered me to read it. I have to give her daily progress reports as to ‘which bit I’m on now.’
When did you first decide you wanted to be a writer?
Not until I was quite old (35, actually, which is not old to me now). I’ve always been a reader, but it never occurred to me that it was an option for ordinary people to actually write books until the World Wide Web started up and I began poking about in online writing communities. I’ve always written though – to begin with mostly angsty poetry and a few song lyrics and some really horrific short stories. It helps that the most exciting things in my life take place in my head. And I am a really, really good liar.
What is your favourite ice cream flavour and/or favourite biscuit, and why?
Oh dear, I’m more of a mature cheddar and salt and vinegar crisp sandwich… with mayonnaise, sort of person. If I have to have one, then I’ll have some shortbread please. Because I’m Scottish and I think we might have invented it. Also because it tastes lovely… for a biscuit.
Previous Next