Interview: Donna Ashcroft, Julie Caplin & Bella Osborne
Appearing with other writers on a panel, isn’t necessarily as straight forward as it might appear. For the most part, writers work in isolation with imaginary voices in their heads and made-up people at their beck and call. Dealing with real people, can be problematic – especially if you’ve never met them before. It definitely helps if you have a little chemistry as well.
Luckily for their forthcoming panel at the Rugby Literary Festival, Donna Ashcroft, Julie Caplin and Bella Osborne, thanks to their regular writing retreats, have definitely found that magical chemistry.
‘We’ve been going on writing retreats together for the last couple of years,’ explained Caplin. ‘As a result the three of us have got to know each other very well, and equally importantly, we’ve got to know each other’s work, the type of themes we’re interested in, the way we work and our respective styles. All three of us write romance but we write very different books. Understanding those similarities and differences, really helps when we’re on a panel, because we’re happy interrupting each other, adding comments or contributing anecdotes. We’re very comfortable with each other and that’s definitely come about from spending time together.’
As well as helping with the writers’ bond, there are also practical benefits. ‘The writing retreats help me to focus on my latest work, whatever stage it’s at,’ said Ashcroft. ‘It’s a chance to brainstorm, plot, write or chat through sticky plot points. There are few domestic chores to interrupt the flow and we take turns cooking meals so we all get a chance to fully focus on our books. Because we’ve been doing the retreats for a couple of years we know each other well, which makes it easy to settle into work quickly – so the retreats aren’t just fun, they’re productive.’
In addition, Osborne sees psychological benefit. ‘I picture the writer’s brain like a well that needs topping up,’ she said. ‘It’s also pretty messy in there with characters from different books, emerging plot ideas and biscuit cravings. So time away with like-minded people is really helpful if only to make me feel that I’m not alone. Sometimes the brain muddle needs sorting out and it so much easier to sort out someone’s else’s book than it is to sort your own when it’s not behaving itself. It’s a bit like group therapy but for stories! There will always be someone who will have a bright idea about how to move forward or fix the mess you’ve already written. I find I come home from retreats buzzing, full of ideas and fired up to write.’
With their last writing retreat earlier this year, the three writers are very much looking forward to getting together again at the Rugby Literary Festival and sharing insider knowledge from the publishing world, from submitting a manuscript to publication and everything in between.
Visit Donna Ashcroft’s website or follow her on Instagram and Facebook
Follow Julie Caplin on Facebook
Visit Bella Osborne’s website or follow her on Facebook
