Louisa Treger's Blog

This is my favourite photograph of H.G. Wells, who appears as a character in my novel.
He was a serial womaniser, and his wife, Amy Catherine – or Jane as he renamed her - accepted his infidelities, though doubtless they caused her a great deal of pain. At the same time, he was devoted to Jane, and couldn’t do without her.
In his love affairs, he looked not merely for sensual gratification, but for someone who would make him complete. He called this ideal 'the other half of my androgynous self I had lost and had to find again.’ Expecting so much, he was invariably disappointed.
Whether he was consciously aware of it or not, Wells's lovers gave his creativity a boost, and some of them provided material for his fiction!
Rebecca West said he that being in his company ‘was like seeing Nureyev dance, or Tito Gobbi sing.’ As I was writing The Lodger, I found I was developing a crush on him.
Is it normal to fall for one’s characters?!!

My darling Mum never knew about my publishing deal - sadly, she passed away shortly before it happened. I miss her so much! She was with me every step of the way until the very end, and I am so thankful for her support and encouragement.

It makes me happy that her book club have decided to do my novel, The Lodger, when in comes out in October - she loved every member dearly. I'd like to think she will be there in spirit, smiling at us.

Thank you, Mum's book club!