Author Spotlight | Paula Wilkes
Here at Olympia we love hearing from our authors, getting an insight into their lives in writing and asking them what their advice would be to future authors. This week we had the pleasure of interviewing Paula Wilkes about her new release, Maisie – The Early Years
When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
It was when my oldest granddaughter Annie asked for a story featuring herself. I decided to try to do this for her and my first children’s book Annie and the Butterfly Fairies was born.
Do you have any favourite books?
The Magic Faraway Tree has always been a favourite of mine.
What were some ideas for this book that you didn’t end up using?
I had the idea that I would like to write the full life story of Maisie and her sisters and the second book brings this all together.
Where do you write from?
From my little office at home.
Who are some of the authors that inspire you?
I don’t really have any favourite authors I am quite eclectic in my reading although I do follow Jane Corry who is a local author.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
We are very lucky as our house backs into a beautiful wood, I love to walk around there as this is very relaxing. A 20 minute drive and we can be at the sea side. I also love aqua aerobics and going to the gym I find this helps to clear my mind.
Where did the idea for your novel come from?
I sat and thought about the kind of books that I like to read, I wanted it to have some intrigue as well as happy times. The idea of Maisie sort of grew out of this process.
What was the most difficult part of writing for you as the author?
The most difficult time was her kidnap; this part of the book made me feel very sad, but it was integral to the plot.
Was the mysterious tall man in black inspired by anyone?
No not really, she needed someone to look after her and in the second book his story is told so everything will become clear.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I always wanted to join the Royal Navy and I was to attend my last interview when I met my husband and my plans suddenly changed. We have now been married for years so I think that I made the right decision.
What does your family think of your writing?
They are all very supportive and think that it is brilliant that I now have 3 books published. My mother read Maisie – The Early Years as I was writing it and is now badgering me to finish Maisie – The Later Years.
If you could review Olympia publishers in a few words, what would they be?
They are by far the best publishers that I have worked with. I have received nothing but help and professional advice from the moment that I submitted my first few chapters of Maisie – The Early Years.
I think that Charlie Howell should get a very special mention, Charlie has worked so hard towards achieving future events and ensuring that everything is in place for the release date. Nothing has been too much trouble, a huge pat on the back for Charlie.
