What genre would you say your novels fall into, or do they defy classification?
My writing may defy classification but I love writing for
children from ages five up.
What made you choose
that genre?
I believe you have to enjoy reading in your chosen genre. Children’s
books make me laugh, make me think and the artwork in many books for the very
young is stunning.
How long does it take
you to write a book?
This is so embarrassing. One of my uncompleted children’s
books has left two young lads trapped in a castle dungeon for several years
now. So long, in fact, they’ve probably started shaving. Another, a
psychological thriller aimed at YA readers (fantastic story, this one) has also
been ‘in progress’ since Noah was a lad. Other, more successful, stories (the
ones I’ve finished) often don’t take too long once I get going.
What is your work
schedule like when you're writing?
I’m meant to have a schedule? I have to fit in writing
between my other work – I’m a freelance copy editor, an editor with Crooked Cat
Publishing, write short story critiques for Writers’
Forum magazine and also work in a residential care home.
Where do you get your
ideas for your books?
Certain names will jump into my head. Betsy Fudge and the Big Silence won The Writers’ Advice Centre for
Children’s Books competition a few years back and Betsy arrived in my head
fully formed. Ideas for the stories generally come from the characters; the
books I enjoy reading most are character led. I enjoy mysteries too, so like to
include that element when I can.
I was about ten and it was before I’d heard the term
plagiarism. I wrote something Enid Blyton would have been proud to put her name
to. Don’t remember the title but it probably included the word ‘adventure’.
What do you like to
do when you're not writing?
Mostly I read, listen to music, or visit somewhere peaceful.
What was one of the
most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
That writing for children isn’t as easy as it looks.
How many books have
you written?
I’ve begun about a twenty but completed around half that.
Which is your
favourite and why?
I have a great fondness for Betsy Fudge and so would like to include her in other stories.
As a child, what did
you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to be Enid Blyton. Either that or be married to
Billy Fury.
What are you working
on now?
Two books. One involves two young boys trapped in a castle
dungeon. The other is a YA psychological thriller (fantastic story) for young
adults.
Bio
Maureen Vincent-Northam has written seriously ever since
Father Christmas left her a Petite typewriter. An editor with Crooked Cat
Publishing, her work has appeared in newspapers, magazines, anthologies and
online. She’s tutored workshops and judged online writing contests. Rubbish at cooking, Maureen works from her
home office when not burning dinner, and can usually be found surrounded by empty
chocolate wrappers.
Website
Writers blog
Genealogy blog
Amazon
Facebook
Twitter
Critique Service for Writers
Flash 500 Home Page: Flash Fiction, Humour Verse
and Novel Opening Chapter and Synopsis Competitions
Does anybody really know Maureen Vincent-Northam?
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Lo, Mo.
Fascinating. A Petite typewriter one Christmas was also part of my journey towards becoming a writer.
ReplyDeleteGetting to know you a bit better, Maureen. I too loved reading Enid Blyton - and I once worked briefly in a residential home... loved listening to their stories!
ReplyDeleteGreat catching up with you both. Good luck with the boys in the castle and the fantastic story, Maureen.
ReplyDelete