Sarwat Chadda's Blog, page 18
June 30, 2009
Er...this might be a terrible mistake.
I don't know about you but when I went to see Casino Royale a few years ago a BIG cheer went up (and not a few wolf-whistles) when Daniel Craig emerged out of the Carribean sea. And that was just from us blokes.I tried to keep that picture in mind today as I shuffled around the park, sweating and feeling a bit unwell. No pain no gain sort of thing.
I'm a naturally lazy person. That's why I'm a writer instead of, well, something else. However, as I suffered my latest annual waist enlargement I de
June 28, 2009
Are you not entertained?
Violence. Don't we love it? It's come up with my school visits where I've got the students to deciode how they want to conclude a scene from the book. Heads have been chopped off, rocket launchers involved, flesh-eating bugs and a whole lot in between.Okay, Devil's Kiss is an adventure story so there's going to be fights and the hint of violence throughout. But very early on I decided that I wasn't going to be half-hearted about it, and the action wasn't playtime.
Depending on the genre, the vio
June 24, 2009
BOOKS! BOOKS! MORE BOOKS!
A few weeks ago I brought back a bundle of books from the BEA, and a few other random packages. I've finally wrapped the last pile and will post them tomorrow to those that asked. THERE ARE NONE LEFT.The books will be winging their way to: Vania S, Nancy S, Lauren R, Kathryn E, Nicky S, Bryony P, Tina C, Tony D, Bryan R, Tracy AB, Candy G, Miriam V, HJulienne D, Lexie C, Milly A, Jon M, Darcy W, Natasha H, Cynthia S, Jeanette T, Mel R, Jessica P, Liz dJ, Gareth M and Rebecca C.
There was even an
June 23, 2009
Sunday's Workshop and other 'stuff'
Firstly a big THANK YOU to those who attended. The discussion over plotting and Desire v. Need was very refreshing and gave me a bit of serious food for thought. There'll be a bit of reworking of The Dark Goddess because of it. Anyway, this blog is a quick reading list of books that have worked for me. Some of them are clear guidebooks but others are more personal opinions on writing.
I know we spent the session talking about films but I think structurally, we're looking at very similar designs w
June 21, 2009
New York, Part 3
Right, we'd got as far as Friday. So, I arrive at it's the size of Earl's Court and then some. Seriously overwhelming. There's Neil Gaiman! There's China Meiville! Meg Cabot! Julie Andrews! Holly Black! and so on and so forth. There are thousands of authors signing, including Ollie North apparently.People are gathering trolley-loads of free books and I do my bit too. Ari's on a panel talking about the 'buzz' YA books for this Fall and she does a fantastic job bigging me up intime for my afterno
June 13, 2009
Russia, Rewrites and Research
I've started the rewrites on THE DARK GODDESS. The book's going to be different, that's for sure.DK was set in London, my hometown. I had the luxury to visit all the sites, hang out and soak up the atmosphere. Chapter 1 opens with the aerial mast of Crystal Palace because I see it every day. It paid off and London seems real and works well in the book.
TDG is set in Russia. I've read up on it, worked through a few guide books but what's coming back is the story doesn't live the way DK does. Mosc
June 10, 2009
New York, Part 2 and COMPETITION!
Okay, where were we? Yes, Homeland Security. So, eventually dropped off at Essex House. C'est magnifique! Chandeliers, marble lobby, porters and, OMG, a view over Central Park!I'm so overcome with excitement I fall asleep.
Thursday morning it all kicks off with a video interview. I fumble my lines, sweat profusely under the glaring lamps and forget everything I know about my book. The camera man is momentarily blinded by the light off my bald patch. With much patience something is cobbled togeth
