Ask the Author: Cressida McLaughlin
Answered Questions (8)
Cressida McLaughlin
Hello! Very happy to answer this. There are strong opinions about the order of clotted cream and jam on a cream tea – they are split into two categories, either the Cornish cream tea, which has jam on the bottom and cream on the top, or the Devon – the county next door – cream tea, which is the other way round, with cream on the bottom and jam on the top. It's quite an emotive subject, especially in those two neighbouring counties. :D x
Cressida McLaughlin
Thank you so much Helen! I'm so glad you like my books. I'm writing a new one right now, and as soon as I can post more info about it I will on my website and Facebook page, etc. Cressy. x
Cressida McLaughlin
The Canal Boat Café Christmas is a festive follow up to my second series, The Canal Boat Café. I had so much fun writing that book, and I love Summer and Mason so much, a sequel was always on the cards, and the idea of them leaving the sleepy town of Willowbeck and going on an adventure was something I thought would really work. One of the great things about living on a canal boat is that you can change your setting easily. I loved writing this book, and I'm so happy with the reader response so far.
Cressida McLaughlin
So many things inspire me. A view from a window, an overheard conversation, a newspaper article or snippet on TV. Over time all these threads work their way towards each other in my brain and start to tangle themselves together into something I can turn into a new book. It's quite a magical process, and I love the feeling when it all starts coming together.
Cressida McLaughlin
I'm working on my 2018 series, which is called The House of Birds and Butterflies. I'm so in love with the characters, the setting - everything. I hope readers will enjoy reading it as much as I love writing it.
Cressida McLaughlin
Be passionate about what you're writing. If you're not, you won't fight for it through the edits, the self-doubt, the submissions and rejections. If you're doing it because you want to get famous or rich, then you're approaching it all wrong. Write because you can't not write, because you want to tell that story, because you love it.
Cressida McLaughlin
There are SO MANY good things, but the main thing is being able to share the story and characters you love with readers, and when you find out that they love them or identify with them as much as you do. That's the joy of being a writer.
Cressida McLaughlin
Step away from the words. Either by making a cup of tea, going for a walk or abandoning my desk for the rest of the day. If I stop trying to think about my story, it's usually clamouring to take over again very soon.
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