interview with Rosemary Gemmell

Prolific is the word which springs to mind when thinking of Scottish writer, Rosemary Gemmell - author of two novellas,  four novels, a collection of short stories, an impressive number of articles and short stories, some poetry, and winner of an enviable list of awards. 

Her working life before becoming a full time writer included being a student nurse, a business travel consultant, a business/education liaison administrator and a direct banking advisor.  

Rosemary lives on the West Coast of Scotland, not far from Loch Lomond or Glasgow.

You’ve stated that you love being a writer – it’s who you are.  What does writing mean to you?

Being able to express myself in different forms, exploring the world and people of my imagination, and especially communicating through the written word.

You write for a mix of audiences.  Do you have a favourite genre?

I tried to decide about this and have come to the conclusion that none in particular is a favourite – except that I go through phases of preferring historical, or contemporary, or Young Adult in reading and writing! The shorter pieces are a necessary respite from longer fiction.

How did you learn how to write?

I always loved English at school and read and wrote poetry in my teens. I was also a prolific reader and devoured escapist novels. Then, when I studied for a BA and MA in literature and history as a mature student, I loved writing essays and finding the right way in which to express my thoughts and opinions. It wasn’t until the children were in their teens that I really started to write short stories.

A short online course taught me how to structure a story but it was mainly through reading that I absorbed how to do it. Joining the local writing group was the next big step in learning the craft from visiting speakers and adjudicators.

You’ve had a varied working life.  Do you find yourself drawing on this job experience for plots and characterization?

Not so much as I got married and had children quite early in my career life. But marrying a travel professional has allowed me to travel a lot and that definitely inspires some of my writing and ideas.

What changes in how you write have you been aware of over the years?

A good question! The biggest changes came about through writing novels and working with professional editors. I can’t emphasise enough how much we continue to learn and improve as writers and part of that comes from taking criticism and advice from editors and publishers. It partly helped having American editors and also writing non-fiction for an American online company as they drummed into us not to use so much of the passive voice. I’m still learning about all the repetitions I need to avoid and how to self-edit even before the work even gets to an editor. It’s an ongoing process for every writer and the more we write, the better we should become.

Do you have a writing ‘process’

Not as far as I know. I’m still very much a pantster, as in sitting down with my main character and a vague idea, then starting to write and seeing where it takes me. That’s fine for short stories, but I do sometimes think I would get on better if I had more of an outline before beginning a novel, as I find plotting the most difficult part of longer length fiction. I’m more interested in characters and how they affect each other.

Do you ever experience writer’s block, and if so, how do you cope with this?

I don’t think I do, but that’s partly because I have a few different types of writing on the go at once. I have a problem with self-discipline and a short concentration span while writing, so I can’t stay at one project for too long. Having a few kinds of writing on the go saves me getting bored or stuck - I just move on to another in between. However – one editor quite rightly suggested it might be even better to give my whole concentration to one project at a time!

You enjoy music and dancing.  How, if at all, do these affect/influence your writing?

Music in particular affects me very deeply and can really inspire me when writing. I like to listen to appropriate background music – so I will choose Celtic type music for Scottish fiction, Baroque for historical, and upbeat modern music for contemporary fiction. Some music even gives me ideas for stories – yet to be written. Occasionally, I listen to Classic FM and enjoy the random choices.

Dancing is such a great form of exercise and self-expression – more than an influence on my writing. I’d love to go back to belly dancing as you don’t need a partner and can totally relax and move with the music. I’d love to dance a tango with a professional dancer!

You also enjoy films - do you find yourself watching them in a search for ideas, or being inspired by a storyline in something you’ve seen?

Perhaps they suggest an occasional idea subconsciously but I watch them more for pure enjoyment and escapism, and for good characterization. The other huge influence on my writing is art. A few visits to art galleries and different paintings have inspired some of my fiction and occasional articles - one of these short stories won a significant prize in a competition and another was published in My Weekly years ago.

How do you promote your work?

I have to immerse myself in the dreaded online social media! Seriously, though, some of it is really enjoyable as I’ve met some lovely people online. I think it’s important to remember the social aspect and not just as a means for promotion, which we all find uncomfortable at times. I enjoy blogging but part of that is sharing information with other writers or promoting their work too. Speaking at writing groups and other places also helps in reaching readers.

One of the many things you do is adjudicate writing competitions.  What is the hardest aspect of this?

It’s an honour to be allowed to comment on other writers work in a competition but I try to be sensitive about it, as any judge’s opinion is subjective to some extent.  I try very hard to remain objective as to genre and style and judge each on its own merit – though we also have to choose winners of course! It’s hard to give constructive comments without running the risk of offending someone, but I genuinely want other writers to get published and love to help in any way if I can.

If you could think of one thing that would make your writing life easier, what would this be?

Possibly a Virtual Secretary who could take care of the necessary online activity – but I’d probably want to do it myself! Seriously, a regular writing income would take some of the pressure away.

What are your future writing plans?

I’m hoping to continue with all types of writing - and hopefully get it published. The second novella in my Aphrodite and Adonis series, The Adonis Touch, will be released in May from Tirgearr Publishing.

I have a couple of more mainstream novels that are seeking a traditional publisher or agent representation, but I won’t keep them lingering unpublished for too much longer as we have plenty of choices these days and I have a lovely e-publisher. I do want to finish and develop the Victorian crime series I started last year and perhaps try a different type of Young Adult novel – too many ideas and not enough time to see them through!

Where can we buy your books?

From Amazon UK and US and Smashwords.  Midwinter Masquerade and The Aphrodite Touch are also available in all e-formats from Tirgearr Publishing: http://tirgearrpublishing.com

How can readers connect with you?

On my main Reading and Writing blog: http://ros-readingandwriting.blogspot.com

Website: www.rosemarygemmell.com

Facebook and Twitter (@rosemarygemmell)

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/rosgemmell/