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Welcome
to the official Minette Walters' newsletter. This month, we're
shaking off the cobwebs of winter and getting ready for spring! In
Minette's part of the world (Dorset, to be precise), the lambs are
on the way and the bees are coming out of hibernation. So, in
keeping with all this activity, we've been busy as well. We've
launched two new sections on the site: 'Q&A with Minette', where
she answers your questions, and 'Readers Write', where you share
your comments about Minette's books. To top it off, Minette will be
making several scheduled appearances during the next few months!
Enjoy!
Minette
takes part in World Book Day
2004
 "I
love
a book that I don't want to put down, and I hope mine are like
that..." That's Minette talking about her writing as part of
the second annual World Book Day that took place online on 4 March.
Filmed at her home, the video captures Minette discussing her writing,
her readers, and two of her favourite authors.
To
see the video or read the transcript, visit the WBD's official
website >>
Take
a master class with Minette!
On Sunday
13 March, Minette will be teaching a master class in crime writing at the
2004 London
Book Fair. Sponsored by The Daily Mail and English PEN, these classes proved very popular at last year's fair, so don't miss out!
For
a full list of Minette's scheduled appearances, plus ticket details
for the LBF, visit our new diary page: Minette's
diary >>
Catch
Up: Minette on Radio 4
 Don't
worry - if you can't make it to one of Minette's scheduled
appearances in person, we'll
have all the highlights on the web site after each event. Speaking of
highlights, if you didn't catch Minette on Radio 4's "Any
Questions?" last week, you can listen to the interview again or read the
transcript on
BBC's web site: Any Questions?
>>
Minette
answers your questions
Q:
I know you don't plot your books in advance, preferring to let the ideas come to you as you write, but does this go for characterisation, too? Do you have detailed character biographies written out in front of you as you write, or do you 'fly by the wire' with character?
-- Graeme
in the UK
A:
I 'fly by wire' with the characters in so far as they certainly develop as the story progresses, however I always have a very strong and clear picture of them from the beginning. A useful tip is to give them weaknesses or vulnerabilities - loneliness, secrets, a sense of unworthiness, fragile egos - because, it will a) make them more real for you and your readers - we all wake up at 4.00 a.m. in the cold dark of morning, worrying that we're about to be found out! and b) it will make them more interesting to write about. Secrets and hidden weaknesses create
suspense! -- Minette
Minette
answers more of your questions on the website! >>
We
hope you've enjoyed this issue of the newsletter and look forward to
your comments and suggestions!
--The Editor
MinetteWalters.co.uk
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