What’s your first memory of enjoying reading?
My parents are both keen readers and they took me to the local library every three weeks when I was a kid.
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading two quite contrasting books. First, Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway as it’s a classic I’ve never read. Second, Lindsey Kelk’s I Heart London - she’s a fantastically compelling romance writer.
Which character you’ve created/written do you wish you could spend a day as?
Tricky one! I would say probably Kate from London Calling. She’s cool, has a chilled attitude towards life and has great hair. My hair is ultra-fine, therefore impossible to do much with.
Which character that someone else has written do you wish you could spend a day as?
Good question! In lesfic, it would have to be Caid from KE Lane’s ‘And Playing The Role Of Herself’ just for the chance to kiss Robin. Swoon!
Have you created any characters you don’t like?
Yes! In my new novel, The Long Weekend, there are a couple of characters who are annoyingly self-absorbed. In London Calling, Jess had her moments too - she was a frustrating lead character at times, even if her heart was in the right place.
What was the first thing you ever wrote that made you think, “I want to be a writer”?
I wrote my first novel in primary school and loved it - so the seed was sewn early on. I’ve always written since, formerly as a journalist, now as an author and blogger. It’s a pretty cool gig!
Do you edit as you go or as a full process after a first draft?
I read what I did the previous day every morning when I’m in full writing flow, so edit lightly as I go. But the key thing is to get the first draft done, then it’s time for serious editing. Finish first, edit second. The edit often takes longer than the writing.
Where do you write? And what do you need around you?
I write at my desk in my office. I had it specially built into an alcove and I love it. I need a cup of tea, notepad and a thesaurus. The internet helps too if you want to check facts. I wrote the first half of my second book, The Long Weekend, at the kitchen table of my friend’s house in Spain. So sunshine and the promise of a pool in the afternoon works too!
Pen and paper, typewriter or computer?
I prefer to write directly onto my laptop. I occasionally write with pen and paper, but it’s always a pain transcribing it.
Find out more!
Personal Blog: www.clarelydon.co.uk
How can we buy your books?
The ebooks are available at Kindle, Kobo, Smashwords, iTunes, Nook and most other stores.
To buy a paperback, contact Clare via her website to buy a signed copy. Or head to Lulu.com or Amazon.co.uk.
Read our review of London Calling
