An interview with Becky Leeson
Please note that this article contains affiliate links. Thank you for your support.
Q) How old were you when you first started writing?
I was definitely at primary school, perhaps I was six or seven? I used to carry a notepad and pen everywhere I went, scribbling down stories that I never finished. Actually, I’m still like that! I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so finishing my first short story, The Man Upstairs and sending it off for publication was the best feeling in the world. I’m addicted to writing.
Q) What genre do you write?
Fiction. The genre depends on whatever crazy ideas pop into my head. I have a young adult dystopian sci-fi trilogy in the works, plus a rom-com novel that I started a few years ago. I’m a big fan of Bridget Jones, and I like to write with humour. But The Man Upstairs has more of a psychological thriller feel to it. So I guess a little of everything!
Q) Are there any genres you wouldn’t write?
You won’t catch me coming for Stephen King’s crown (long live the King!) as I’m far too much of a wimp to write horror. Though I have had some creepy dreams that have inspired me to write. Never say never…
Q) Why do you love writing?
It gives me total creative freedom. I can sit down at a computer and escape to another world. I love the power of fiction to transport us to new and exotic places, whether I’m reading books or writing them. It’s just magical.
Q) What’s your favourite book?
That’s a really tough one, but The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger is up there for me. It was gifted to me by a complete stranger on holiday; this woman saw me reading by the pool and came over to give me her copy, insisting that I would love it. The book was falling apart and covered in suncream splotches, but I loved it all the same. So as soon as I got home, I ordered a brand new copy. And I treasure it. Story wise, it takes a few chapters to get your head around the timelines, but once you’re in, it’s utterly addictive and so emotional. Claire and Henry’s story stayed with me for a long time.
Q) Which authors inspire you?
I read Stephen King’s On Writing, and it changed my life. So many people recommended it to me, and I’m so grateful that I took their advice - I’m 1000% better at my craft now. I think every writer should be forced to read it. As Stephen explains in the book, great writing is about knowing what tools you have at your disposal, and how to use them to craft great stories. And if you don’t learn anything - which I promise, you will - you can least enjoy his boyhood memoirs of wiping his bum with poison ivy. Those stories still tickle me.
Q) Do you listen to music when you write?
Absolutely. I tend to pick an album, let the tracks flow into one another and zone out. I’m writing my young adult novel at the moment, told from the point of view of a 17-year-old boy (which I, clearly, am not) so it’s fun trying to get into his head. My main character, Flint, is pretty moody when he wants to be, so I’ve been exploring lots of classic rock on Spotify. Led Zeppelin always puts me in the right mindset to write. And David Bowie too - I was raised to love his music as my father is a big fan, and I find his Low album incredible for zoning out and immersing myself in the dystopian world I’m writing. Bowie has a special place in my heart.
Q) What do you get up to when you’re aren’t writing?
I’m a foodie! I love to cook, so you’ll probably find me bopping around the kitchen to some Led Zeppelin, rustling up something delicious. I’m a big fan of Nigella - her flourless peanut butter cookies from Simply Nigella are ridiculously easy to make. Try them, and thank me later. I’ve also taken up yoga recently, and am really enjoying that. I’m not great at it, but I’m already much stronger. I have the strength of a snail, so that’s a win in my book.
Q) What’s your favourite food?
It depends on my mood. A ham & mushroom pizza is the easy way to my heart, but I’ve recently discovered some great vegetarian Korean recipes that I’m loving. Lots of my friends are veggie, so I’m trying to get better at cooking for them as I love to host. Ottolenghi is the master of veg, so I’ve got my eye on his Flavour cookbook to add to my collection. Some people collect books, I collect recipes.
For more book-related fun than you can shake a Pritt stick at, follow Becky @bookyleeson on Twitter and Instagram. Your choice.