Fern Britton is currently dancing up a storm in this year's Strictly Come Dancing. We were lucky anough to ask her a few quick questions about her writing and dancing...
Where do you get your novel ideas from?
Inspiration for a story comes from day dreams. A plot or a character suddenly appears and I make notes and build a framework. Subconsciously , I think a lot of your own experiences come through too.
Do you have any writing rituals?
I need to have done the breakfast washing up, and cleared my desk of the day’s post.
How is the training going with Artem Chigvintsev?
He’s tough and it’s very intensive, but I am having a ball.
Why did you choose Cornwall as the setting for Hidden Treasures?
Ever since I was old enough to know there was a separate place in the world called Cornwall, I have loved it. The mist, the rain, the moors, the legends, the surf, the sun. It speaks to me.
What dances are you most looking forward to learning on this year's Strictly?
The easy ones…. If there are any! I’m learning the Viennese waltz at the moment which is gorgeous. Lyrical and romantic.
What are you favourite
women's fiction novels/writers?
I like a good story well told so Marian Keyes, Rosamunde Pilcher, Kate Atkinson. Susan Hill.
What are your top 5 writing tips?
Think of a plot and set it out as headline chapters.
Create a full biography for your central character.
Once you’ve written the first sentence, leave it alone and carry on.
Keep pushing to the end.
Just do it!
Thanks, Fern!
