Susan Goddard
asked
Helen Simonson:
Helen, When you're starting a new project, or novel, how important is it to you to consider the voice and point of view you are going to write it in? Have you ever considered writing in the first person? Thanks, Sue Goddard
Helen Simonson
Dear Sue, I have trouble with first person. Somehow it feels too much like I creep in to the character. I prefer a little distance, both in character and setting. You'll note that I live in Brooklyn, NY but write about the rural England I remember so fondly. Close third person - where I am on the shoulder and in the head of the character but still an outside observer - is my preferred perspective. But never say never...
More Answered Questions
Adriana Delgado
asked
Helen Simonson:
I have to say, The Summer Before The War has now become one of my favorite books along with The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper. I really loved how you created characters that just came alive and weaved such a great descriptive story. Historical fiction is my favorite genre and this book certainly details the loss and horrors of war but also how love can be born even in the most difficult times. (?)
Diane Cadei
asked
Helen Simonson:
No question, just wanted to say that it has been a long time since I read a book that I just had to sit and read until I finished it----"The Summer Before the War" was just that book, it was a beautiful Sunday afternoon and I laid on the couch and read and read and read. I just had to finish it. Thank you for such a lovely story. Bring on more. I don't mind waiting. Are you writing another?
Becky
asked
Helen Simonson:
Is there another book on the way? My book group read and loved Major Pettigrew last year. Now I am recommending that we read Summer this year. I really liked the way the characters grew as the story progressed and how the book itself changed from a sweet little "women's" story to a much larger and more important story as it progressed. That is the way life so often is -- we discover an entirely new and complex world.
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