The mystery of absence

And how to build a rich novel. Part 2 of a big conversation about creativity and creative minds

A few weeks ago I chatted to Jenil Vyas about creative life. Here it is, in case you missed it. At the time I remarked that he’d asked me the best question ever.

Jenil decided he had even more questions – so here we are again.

This time we discuss:

Choosing names for fictional characters and whether they outgrow them as the story develops.

Writing characters with emotional truth.

Giving the characters a fair hearing on the page – even if you’d detest them in real life.

Letting the book’s biggest questions emerge as you write – with Ever Rest I realised I was exploring the mystery of absence, when a person is no longer with us, and how hard that is to accept.

Jenil also likes to surprise his guests. So he asked what I’d do if I was the only person on Earth? If I could meet any historical figure who would it be? What would animals say about us if they could talk? If my entire life was a book, what would its title be?

(Didn’t I say questions were his forte? What would your answers be? Let me know in the comments. Meanwhile, do come over.)

And the two novels of mine that are mentioned – Ever Rest and Lifeform Three.