HOW I WRITE

Fanny Blake

‘Doubts are the curse of every writer, but make you try harder ’

Former books editor for w&h, non-fiction writer and a publisher for many years, Fanny began her career as a novelist 12 years ago with What Women Want. She’s since penned 10 more novels, including her latest, The Daughter-in-law,a tale of family tensions and a deeply buried secret from the past.

Where did you get the idea for your latest book? I was struck by how many women I met of my generation who were experiencing problems with their sons’ partners. Either they didn’t get on with them or they were critical of them. At the same time, I knew various young women who were having problems with their partners’ mothers. How could we get it so wrong?

Your books are very character-driven, do they come first and how much of a backstory do you write for them? Usually, the first thing that comes into my head is the theme. The characters begin to take shape after. Once I had the idea of the warring mother and daughter-in-law, I had my story. I never base characters on real people, so I spend time working out who they are. I knew Hope’s career should contrast with Edie’s life as a barrister. Making her a private chef seemed a natural solution.

Which character did you enjoy writing most about in The Daughter-in-law?

I enjoyed writing both Hope and Edie, but I think that Hope had the edge. She’s a woman near my age with one son, Paul, who she is particularly close to. Or was, until he married ambitious Edie.

Did you always know you wanted to write family dramas – and once you decided, how did you find your voice? When I started writing, I planned to write a gripping psychological thriller. But it was not to be. I couldn’t get the voice or the plot right. My voice came naturally when I started writing about older women and what life throws at us.

There must be times when you have doubts while writing – how do you keep going?

Often! But I think those doubts are the curse of every writer. And the blessing too, as they make you try harder. Sometimes I skip to the next scene or write a scene entirely in dialogue or, when desperate, go for a walk. That usually unlocks something.

Do you write every day?

When writing a novel, my aim is to write 500 words a day and, once I’ve got into my stride, I double that.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever been given? Just sit down and do it!

✢ The Daughter-in-law by Fanny Blake (£8.99, PB, Simon & Schuster) is out on 16 February.