Interview with Gillian Godden
Author of FRANCESCA
Gillian Godden Author of Gangland Books."I have always loved reading. On my weekly visit to my local library, where they hold a book club they were advertising a competition to write your own story. Any story, using any genre. The prize would be a weekend trip on the P&O ferry to Amsterdam or fifty pounds. I wrote Francesca. Sitting with my friend Toni one night and drinking a cheap bottle of Lambrini wine I had my name for my character: Tony Lambrianu. I submitted my story to the competition- and did not win. However, a couple of my friends at the NHS, and my neighbours had read it and encouraged me to carry on and see were it led. I got involved with a vanity publisher and was taken for a ride! They hadn't edited it properly and my name was barely seen. To rectify it was going to cost me money I didn't have so I published bits of the book in book groups on social media and was amazed by the response. I'd thought the manuscript was going to sit on my computer forever and no one would read it, but the majority of people responded well and so I self-published.
"Readers were interested in my main character: Tony, the glamorous gangland boss. Some fell in love with him. But they wanted to know his background and how he had become the man he was. I had originally written another story Antonius, which was never going to see daylight. I split it in half as it was a long story and they became Francesca and Dangerous Games: the prequel depicting Tony's childhood up to when Tony meets Francesca one steamy night at a Christmas party, which became Nasty Business.
"I work as a doctors receptionist at the local health centre, close to where I live. I've experienced a lot of support in the writing community and have seen my titles flourish under the microscope that is Amazon. The only part of writing I find difficult is the promotion. Bloggers help authors to market, advertise, and publicise our wares, but I'd far rather be writing them.
"I live in Yorkshire with my dog Susie. Walking her around the park after ten-hour shifts clears my head and allows me to plot ideas. The best murderous plans come to me this way. My son, Robert, lives in London. I'd love to move back there someday.why not follow my websitehttps://www.facebook.com/francescaseries/
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How would you describe FRANCESCA to a new reader?
- Remembering the past; Francesca looks back on her life when left destitute and abandoned by her husband luke. left to survive alone in london they only job she can get is as a stripper. until she meets a handsome stranger one night and he turns her life upside down
What was the inspiration behind FRANCESCA
- The east end and it's strip clubs. everyone is looking for love
Which authors do you admire? How have they influenced your writing style?
- martina cole
Can you tell us a little about the locations in your book?
- London
What advice would you give to aspiring authors? How would you advise a new author about traditional publishing versus self publishing?
- get a good editor
What's your writing process?
- note pad and pen. i always write long hand
Which character in FRANCESCA has had the greatest impact on readers?
- Everyone fell in love with Francesca instantly. she was my major platform. i wrote this book first and then people wanted a prequel so i wrote Dangerous Games
If FRANCESCA were to be adapted for TV or film, who would you see in the lead role? Who did you have in your mind’s eye when you wrote him/her?
- tricky one. maybe scarlett johannsen
How have readers responded to FRANCESCA
- Francesca was my debut book and raised my platform for people to buy all the others. excellent reviews over a hundred. just a couple of reviews: was gripped from the beginning of this book and I was holding my breath in some chapters smiling in other's and was upset and annoyed in some. Ooooo it's a rollercoaster of a ride. But loved every minute.
Couldn't put it down. Reading a book with a strong female character
In this kind of genre was epic and very different. Bring on the next one....Without a doubt one of the best books I've ever read.
High praise for Gillian Godden she is totally up there with the top crime writers.
Loved every page of this book and was gutted when I finished it.
Congratulations Gillian can't wait for the next one.
If you like Kimberley Chambers, Kerry Barnes etc you will love this
Where next? What are you working on now?
- GOLD
