Val Robson asked Tracy Chevalier:

Which part of the writing process do you prefer? The research phase or the writing phase? I love the idea of the research that you do and getting to immerse yourself in a place like for At The Edge Of The Orchard but I think I'd find the writing too hard!

Tracy Chevalier Hi Val - Apologies for the delay in replying. I do love the research phase, especially when I go to the places I'm writing about. I spend that time in a heightened state, where everything and anything feels important. In fact, I just had that experience last week when I spent two days in Winchester researching the book I'm writing now. I sat in Winchester Cathedral almost in tears with the feeling of wanting to get down in writing what I was sensing about the building. Of course I take notes and photos, but I find when I get home and try to transfer it into the writing, something gets lost along the way. It is always a tiny bit disappointing - which is why I both love the research and slightly despair of it.

Also, I am always aware when I'm researching that I'm going to have to write. The writing is behind it all - if I weren't writing a book, I wouldn't be doing the lovely research. So I kind of hate the writing, but I need it too. Gads, do I sound like a writing addict?!

TC

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