Q&A with Linda Strachan
Can you tell us a little bit about your novel, Spider?
It is the story of Spider, his girlfriend Deanna and his best mate Andy; their friendship, and their secrets. Spider knows that he can‘t afford to get caught stealing a car again but Deanna wants him to take her on one last Run and as always Andy is keen to go along. But when the car spins out of control it takes them with it, changing their lives forever. A tale of love, loyalty and fast cars.
This is your first novel for teenagers; did you find writing for teenagers different to writing younger books?
In some ways it was very different - I had more research to do and I spent quite a lot of time getting to know the characters. I had to know them well enough to let them tell their side of the story each in their own voice. But I also think it was similar in one way because I still wanted the story to be very immediate, to catch the reader and hold their interest making them want to turn the page.
What inspired you to write a teen novel?
I remember thinking that it might be really difficult to write a novel that would appeal to teenagers because I wasn’t sure what I could write that would interest them. One day I saw two different stories in the news about young people being killed or hurt while driving too fast and I began to think about what it would be like to be so sure of yourself, driving so fast and a moment later finding that your friends had been injured or killed. How that would impact on the young driver?
Which of the characters in Spider do you like most and are there any that you dislike?
I have great sympathy for the three main characters and the trauma they are going through, and I had a soft spot for Hilton, the policeman. I think Spider’s dad is my least favourite character because he causes such misery with his drink problem and his temper. But perhaps there is more to his story...
Do you have a daily writing routine?
Not a routine really because each day is so different. If I am having a day at home writing I try to get out to my writing shed in the garden as early as possible but there are lots of days when I am travelling to visit schools or speak at festivals or other events. I often take my laptop with me or at least a notebook so I can write if I am on a train or waiting around for a while. I begin to feel rather edgy if I spend too much time away and don’t get peace to write.
What would you do if you weren’t a writer?
There are lots of things I would love to do. I think I’d be an astronaut, or perhaps work with wild animals, lions or elephants.
What was the last book you read?
I have just finished reading White Rose Rebel by Janet Paisley
What was your favourite book as a child?
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C S Lewis. The very idea of stepping into that huge wardrobe and coming out into a magical world still gives me a buzz!
Who’s your favourite author?
Difficult question. I like to read all sorts of different books. I think it would have to be the fantasy writer Guy Gavriel Kay.
If you could have 3 people (alive or dead) round for dinner, who would it be and what would you cook them?
Leonardo Da Vinci, Terry Pratchett and Paul Newman.
I would cook them avocado and sweet pears in a walnut dressing to start, followed by my own special recipe lasagna and salad with a creamy Tiramisu as the sweet course - but I might make them wash up the dishes!
Could you give us some tips for young people interested in becoming writers?
Read, most writers read all the time. Read lots of different kinds of books.
Write about something that interests and excites you.
Picture the story as you write, imagine it running like a film in your head. It helps to make it more real for the reader.
When you think you have finished put it away for a while, a week or at least a day or two and then pick it up and read it again. You will have a fresh eye and it will be easier to see mistakes and bits you want to change.
