Catherine Yardley is the Author of Ember, Where The Light is Hottest, and, now, The Mothers of SW19. She is a freelance journalist who has written for The Times and Sunday Times, Metro, Telegraph, Stylist, The Bookseller, Mslexia, Writers’ and Artists’, Newsweek, Writing Magazine and Huffpost.
So let’s get to it; the nitty gritty.
Were you an actor first or a writer? Which grew out of which? And have you always wanted to be both?
I would say I was a writer first. Or, more accurately, a reader. It took a lot of time to find the courage to be both. I never thought I would have the talent. I started writing when I was in a band when I was around ten. I would write songs which I later turned into poems. Acting was a dream, but it took going to drama school to build up my confidence. They are more similar than people realise. It’s all about telling a story, one with words, the other with your whole self.
Do you find yourself observing everything and everyone noting the subtext? So often conversations you overhear and more interesting that the one you are actually having. I would imagine that observation is as essential for an actor, as it is for a writer.
It definitely is. I’m an avid people watcher. I take endless notes. Sometimes nothing is truer than fiction. You’re taking in everything around you all of the time, as well as the news and other books, films, and television shows.
Have you ever been the victim of the school gate situation?
That would be telling! My oldest is 11 so it’s fair to say that not every single one of the hundreds of parents I have met have liked me. A lot of real life stuff went into the book, but it wasn’t necessarily my own experience. Or is a variation of something.
Tell us what you actually strove to achieve. We all read books and create our own themes, from our own experiences. It would be fascinating to know your intent, as the layers are revealed.
I really wanted to capture the politics of the school gate. There are so many stories there. All of these people thrown together because they had children around the same time. Then there are those alpha mums. They don’t seem to get that not everyone needs to live the same way. You get that mean girl energy in a grown woman, it’s just unhinged. Mothers need their story told in all it’s messy glory.
How on earth do you juggle work and 4 kids – tell us a bit about your working day.
I get up at 7am and do the school run. Then it’s just me and the baby. I take him to groups and then when he naps I write and send off pitches. When I have a baby I work around the patch work of their little lives. Sometimes I work evenings or weekends if needed. My life is run from my iPhone. I also have a husband. Once when I had a book deadline I worked until 1am and then got up at 6am. I’m also breastfeeding and I work while I do that. It all adds up to a lot. Mothers are ruthlessly efficient.
Do you have ambitions to write for theatre or film? Perhaps SW19 would work. I could be granny???
Definitely! I would love that. I already have some interest for The Mothers of SW19. Fingers crossed! I’m open to offers. You would be perfect for the role of the granny!
What else is in the pipeline? And which has been your most memorable novel to write. I know I enjoyed some more than others.
Lots. My career has never been better. My journalism is going well. I am writing more than ever. There are more books coming.
The Mothers of SW19 was definitely cathartic. I think every book helps me get an obsession out of my head. I love it.
What is your advice to any emerging writer?
Be persistent. Read lots and write lots. Join some writing groups. Even if only online.
And anything else you might which to discuss.
I have a lot of exciting news I can’t share yet. Watch this space!
We have to leave it there. As always, Catherine is the master of suspense.
Website www.catherinebalavageyardley.com
The Mothers of SW19 by Catherine Yardley is available here