Interview With Julia Williams
After reading Midsummer Magic, I was given the chance to interview Julia about her latest book. Here is what we chatted about….
1. Your latest novel is called Midsummer Magic. If you had to describe it in just one sentence, what would it be?
A modern day take on A Midsummer Magic, involving, standing stones, hypnotism, and mismatched lovers.
2. This book is based around the Shakespeare play of a similar title, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. What made you choose that particular play to take inspiration from?
I started off with the title, which I liked, and which made me want to write a magical summer romp. So then it seemed obvious to look to AMND for inspiration.
3. Who was your favourite character to write?
Tatiana. The line “I’m tired of being your Debbie McGee” came to me quite early on, and I enjoyed writing her OTT scenes, and had fun making up her entourage.
4. Did you base any of the settings on places you’ve been?
Sort of. I’ve been to Cornwall a few times, and love it, as it’s so magical. The last time we went there, we went to Polperro, so I borrowed some of the cliff walk there for my Tresgothen cliff walk, and used places like Polperro and Looe as the basis for Tresgothen. I also stole the Minnack Theatre (which I haven’t actually been to) for my theatre, but I made the rest up, based on memory and my imagination.
5. If you could go anywhere on a summer holiday, where would you choose?
Ooh… there are so many exciting places in the world I haven’t been to, that’s a really difficult one. But for a summer holiday I’d love one day to do a long rambling tour round Europe, stopping off at different places and staying for a few days just where I fancied.
6. Do you have a favourite summer read?
Not really. I take lots of books away on holiday though, and this year I’m very excited to be taking Neil Gaiman’s new book, The Ocean at the End of the Lane away with me. I love Neil Gaiman and can’t wait to read it.
7. What is the best thing about being an author?
Being paid to make stuff up. I have all these mad ideas in my head all the time, and someone now pays me to write them. How neat is that?
Quick Fire Questions:
What is your:
favourite colour?
Blue
favourite song?
You Really Got Me by the Kinks
favourite book?
To Kill a Mocking Bird
favourite word?
perspicacious
favourite food?
Roast dinner
favourite season?
Autumn
favourite tv show?
Dr Who
favourite author?
Terry Pratchett and Margaret Atwood
favourite animal?
Pig
favourite day of the week?
Saturday
Huge thank you to Julia for stopping by!
1. Your latest novel is called Midsummer Magic. If you had to describe it in just one sentence, what would it be?
A modern day take on A Midsummer Magic, involving, standing stones, hypnotism, and mismatched lovers.
2. This book is based around the Shakespeare play of a similar title, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. What made you choose that particular play to take inspiration from?
I started off with the title, which I liked, and which made me want to write a magical summer romp. So then it seemed obvious to look to AMND for inspiration.
3. Who was your favourite character to write?
Tatiana. The line “I’m tired of being your Debbie McGee” came to me quite early on, and I enjoyed writing her OTT scenes, and had fun making up her entourage.
4. Did you base any of the settings on places you’ve been?
Sort of. I’ve been to Cornwall a few times, and love it, as it’s so magical. The last time we went there, we went to Polperro, so I borrowed some of the cliff walk there for my Tresgothen cliff walk, and used places like Polperro and Looe as the basis for Tresgothen. I also stole the Minnack Theatre (which I haven’t actually been to) for my theatre, but I made the rest up, based on memory and my imagination.
5. If you could go anywhere on a summer holiday, where would you choose?
Ooh… there are so many exciting places in the world I haven’t been to, that’s a really difficult one. But for a summer holiday I’d love one day to do a long rambling tour round Europe, stopping off at different places and staying for a few days just where I fancied.
6. Do you have a favourite summer read?
Not really. I take lots of books away on holiday though, and this year I’m very excited to be taking Neil Gaiman’s new book, The Ocean at the End of the Lane away with me. I love Neil Gaiman and can’t wait to read it.
7. What is the best thing about being an author?
Being paid to make stuff up. I have all these mad ideas in my head all the time, and someone now pays me to write them. How neat is that?
Quick Fire Questions:
What is your:
favourite colour?
Blue
favourite song?
You Really Got Me by the Kinks
favourite book?
To Kill a Mocking Bird
favourite word?
perspicacious
favourite food?
Roast dinner
favourite season?
Autumn
favourite tv show?
Dr Who
favourite author?
Terry Pratchett and Margaret Atwood
favourite animal?
Pig
favourite day of the week?
Saturday
Huge thank you to Julia for stopping by!