Meet The Author - Lisa Williamson
- Feb 11, 2024
- 4 min read
(This post was originally written on May 31st 2017)
Before I get accused of 'click-bait', I shall disclose that I did not physically meet Lisa (although I do hope I will at some point). I simply asked this wonderful woman a few questions over email, and it brings me great pleasure that she agreed to answer them for the purpose of this post.
Safe to say, Lisa Williamson is one of the kindest and most humble people I have ever come across. Her work has inspired me and many others. Many books I have read orbit the concept of cliché and fantasy, but All About Mia and The Art Of Being Normal are very much based on reality (both the positives and negatives). But it's not just the realism of the plots, characters and settings that I love, it's the positive endings. The final chapters of each book inspire hope and faith that everything will be okay in the end (I think so at least).
Now, onward from my ramblings as I'm sure you're eager to see what I asked her and how she responded:
At what age did you realise you wanted to be a writer?
When I was very small I wanted to write and illustrate books but by the age of 8 or 9, I changed my mind and decided I wanted to be an actor instead. I didn't return to writing until my late twenties when I started writing stories while temping in offices between acting jobs. The more I wrote, the more I fell in love with it.
Where did the inspiration for All About Mia come from?
I was wandering around a shopping centre one day when the idea of writing a story from the point of view of a middle child popped into my head. Mia already existed as a supporting character in a project that I'd since abandoned. I'd always loved her voice and attitude so I made her the middle child. From there I thought about how hard it would be to be sandwiched between two really high-achieving sisters and the story began to grow. Originally it was going to be an unrequited love story but it turned out as something quite different. This happens a lot when I write. I never seem to stick to my original idea. Hopefully, though, this keeps my readers guessing.
How do you stay motivated/inspired to write?
I try to visualise that moment where you hold your latest book in your hands for the first time! It can be hard though, especially when a project isn't working and you're struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm a bit of a perfectionist so get easily frustrated if I can't nail a chapter or character or my plot isn't quite working the way I planned. Talking to other writers always helps as they're often going through (or have been through) the exact same struggles. Hearing from readers always gives me a lovely boost too. Generally though, I feel incredibly lucky to be able to write for a living so reminding myself of this always helps keep me motivated. In terms of inspiration, I get ideas from all sorts of places – newspaper articles, conversations I overhear in the street, songs etc. Getting a new idea for a book is the best feeling ever.
What's your favourite book to read?
I have lots but if I had to narrow it down to one it would be One Day by David Nicholls. It's perfect.
What advice can you give to aspiring authors?
Keep a diary (online if you're worried about anyone finding it – I email my entries to a secret email account). It's a great way of getting used to expressing yourself using the written word. Also, don't worry about necessarily finishing things. I spent years never getting beyond the first chapter. At the time it was frustrating but now I'm really pleased I had that time to develop my craft and try out different things. It's all amazing practice, even if no one ever sees it, and one day you'll be ready to carry something through to completion. Above all, have fun with it and write about the stuff that interests and excites YOU. Don't worry about trends or if your idea is a bit similar to someone else's, just stay true to yourself. I like to write for 15-year-old me. Keeping her in mind always helps keep me focused. Writing isn't a race or a competition. I was first published at the age of 34. Many others are much older.
Why do you write?
I can't not write! It's an integral part of my life and I can't imagine how I'd fill my days without it. I just love making up stories and characters and suspect I always will.
Are you working on anything at the moment?
I am indeed. I'm working on a book about a girl called Stevie who's a bit of an outsider at school. At first, it's a bit of a mystery but by the third chapter, you start to understand why she keeps people at arm's length...
What do you enjoy most about being an author?
Meeting readers! I love going into schools and to literary festivals and meeting young people. It blows my mind that teenagers read and relate to characters I've created. It's a very special thing to have that connection and it thrills me every time.
What's your favourite reading genre?
Contemporary. I also like the odd bit of historical fiction and listening to memoirs and non-fiction audiobooks.
Again, words cannot describe how pleased I am that Lisa agreed to answer these questions for me! If you enjoyed this post, definitely check out the reviews I wrote for All About Mia and The Art Of Being Normal!
Huge thanks to you - Lisa! I wish you all the best and I can't wait to read more of your fantastic work!
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