Ask the Author: Fiona Valpy

“I'll be answering questions about my books in October, when we celebrate the launch of the third in 'The French for...' series, 'The French for Christmas'.” Fiona Valpy

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Hi Fiona. Just wanted to say really enjoying your books since discovering The Beekeeper's Promise at the end of 2019. The Dressmaker's Gift was lovely!! Currently about to finish Sea of memories. Just lovely! Gritty (real) in terms of relationships. Thanks for doing what you do!?

Fiona Valpy Hello Richard, and thank you for your kind and supportive words. So pleased you're enjoying y books, it means a lot. With best wishes, Fiona

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Fiona, when did you realize yourself as a writer? After writing first book, publishing , success or …? You know this feeling inside «I am truly a writer»

Fiona Valpy Sometimes I still have to pinch myself to be sure I'm not dreaming! It's a long path and not an easy one, so there were a few moments along the way when good things happened. The first was getting my first book - THE FRENCH FOR LOVE - published. The second was when a major publisher offered me a contract and an advance for my next books. And the third was the day when I was finally able to give up the day job and be a writer full-time. I think perhaps that last one was the moment when I truly believed it :-)

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I am a new, published author about to launch my second book. You bring your characters to life. Do you have a special formula for that.?

Fiona Valpy Hi BJ, thank you for getting in touch.

I don''t have any particular formula when it comes to writing my characters, but I do try to do as much on-the-spot research as I can, visiting the places and environments that I place my characters in. I then try to absorb as much as possible when I'm there and check in with all the senses - how does a place look, sound, smell? And how would each character respond to those different factors?

I also find it important to spend as much time with my characters as possible, even if only in my mind's eye. I love walking and do a lot of my thinking and character development on my walks too - they come along with me!

I hope that helps with your own writing. Many congratulations on the launch of your next book - I hope it goes well.
Best wishes,
Fiona

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