One of the main themes of Billy and Me focuses on keeping hold of your dreams and not losing sight of who you really are and what you want out of life. What is it about this theme that made you want to write about it?
Being an actress it’s important to keep focused and positive, which is hard when there’s so much rejection out there. I think of it like being on a bucking bronco – you sit there holding on for as long as you can, trying not to get flung to the ground. It’s inevitable that you will be at some point, what’s important is how you handle it when you do. You get up, get back on and keep striving towards your goal. I’ve had my fair share of setbacks and it’s so easy to get sidetracked and lose sight of what you cherish and value – but it’s those little things that make everything worthwhile! That’s where the magic happens.
How and where do you write?
First, I create a big summary, letting me know where I’m going with the plot and helping me focus my thoughts. Then I just get cracking. I aim to write 1,500 words a day. On a good day I’ll do double that, on a bad day I’ll do half. I write in my office at home, which is like my little den – it’s full of posters, Venetian masks, inspiring quotes, books and photos of almost everyone I know and love. I usually write in there but sometimes, if my room becomes a distraction (there’s so much to look at), I sit in the garden room looking out at the greenery – just me, my laptop and a glass of water. Oh, and a cat, or two, or three, or four …
Who or what was your biggest influence in deciding to become a writer?
A couple of people said they thought I should do it – my husband and my friend Karen. I knew I’d love to, but had no idea where you start with something like that. Then I met Hannah, an agent, who told me she thought I’d be good at it … again, where do you start? Then, I was out for lunch with author Dorothy Koomson one day and she told me her biggest piece of advice to aspiring authors was, ‘do it’. So I did!
What are your favourite books?
I have so many – I’m a real bookworm. Three books that I read years ago that have stuck with me are Jemima J by Jane Green, My Best Friend’s Girl by Dorothy Koomson and Playing Away by Adele Parks. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë is my absolute favourite though.
How do you most love to spend your time when you’re not writing?
I’d love to say lying in bed while eating chocolate, but I don’t want to appear like a complete slob. In my downtime I read anything I can get my hands on, see my friends and remember what it’s like to have a life, and go on great walks in the country.
Where’s your favourite place to escape to?
I’d have to say my bed!
Acknowledgements
I’d like to send a gigantic thank you to:
My agent Hannah Ferguson, who not only believed in me from the start, but also guided me through this whole adventure with a friendly smile and lots of cake.
Claire Pelly, for turning my creation into an actual book for others to enjoy!
Beatrix McIntyre and Fiona Brown for making the copyediting and page-proofing process so painless! Plus everyone on the sales, marketing and publicity teams who have supported Billy and Me.
Dorothy and Karen, for unknowingly prompting me to sit down and actually write – it was time to stop thinking and start doing!
Scabby, Savvy, Emma, Hayley, Lauren, Kara and my other gorgeous friends, for letting me get on with this and not being too annoyed with me when I couldn’t come out to play.
Izzy, for being open and honest and helping me fit together the pieces of the puzzle, and to the rest of the McFamily.
The Falcone/Fletcher gang – Mum, Dad, Giorgie, Mario, Debbie B, Debbie F, Bob and Carrie … The most encouraging family I could ever wish for. You’re the best!
My husband Tom, for letting me talk his ears off about characters and situations. For giving me endless advice and support … and for not minding that I’ve been sat around the house for most of the past year.
To all my Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook followers who have kept me entertained along the way – you’ve never failed to put a smile on my face!
And finally, Molly, for teaching me so much and making such a huge impact on my heart – I love you too.
THE BEGINNING
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PENGUIN BOOKS
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First published 2013
Copyright © Giovanna Fletcher 2013
The moral right of the author has been asserted
Cover illustration: Sarah Gibb/theartworksinc.com.
All rights reserved
ISBN: 978-1-40-590996-9
Giovanna Fletcher, Billy and Me
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