Louise Tucker
Louise Tucker is a writer, editor and tutor. Having spent most of her working life in academia and publishing, she started to concentrate on writing fiction after a ‘significant’ birthday. She has just completed the MA in Prose Fiction at UEA, where she was awarded the 21-22 Annabel Abbs Scholarship.
She lives in London with her husband, and dreams of escaping to a) Northumberland b) France c) Estonia (long story). When she’s not writing, she’s singing in a choir, driving a 1973 VW Beetle to Greece and making ginger cake. Not all at the same time…
What made you enter the Cheshire Novel Prize?
I think competitions for unpublished writers are the best way to raise your profile, get feedback, and meet others. The Cheshire has delivered on all three, especially the last. I have a whole new set of friends and peers, to cheer on and be cheered by.
What did it feel like when you were LL and then SL?
I was on a train to Norwich on both occasions. Not the best place for shrieks of excitement! The first time I was very quiet, not wanting to disturb the other passengers. After the shortlisting though, I snuck into the Cathedral cloisters and took a moment. I’m not religious but I wanted to let the news sink in and enjoy it.
What was the reaction from those around you/family and friends?
Delight! And, of course, a few glasses of champagne…they all know that it is a long road to publication and that every step deserves celebrating.
You were unrepresented when you entered the Cheshire Novel Prize, can you say what’s happened since?
A couple of agents have read the full manuscript and given me really helpful advice and feedback and I plan to start querying again, after a few edits based on the notes I received from them and the CNP judges.
How did you come up with the idea for your book?
I had an image of George and his much taller wife in my head for years. When I finally decided to write something about them, I started from that picture and decided to work out who they were, how they lived and why they mattered to me.
What’s it about?
In one sentence? Life after death for the grieving. I am fascinated by the human ability to survive trauma and to re-discover happiness after loss. In the novel, the three main characters have lost someone beloved, and find different ways to cope, with varying degrees of success. By learning from each other, they discover that life can still offer joy.
What’s your writing routine?
When I’m working on a project, I try and write every weekday morning. I rarely write for more than an hour, and aim for 750-1000 words. As a freelancer I can usually do this and I really miss it when I don’t. I write longhand, because I love the feel of a fountain pen on a notebook. I don’t love the typing up quite as much…
What’s next for you?
I started a new book on my MA, which is halfway drafted and, yet again, it’s all about death. I’m honestly quite a cheerful person!
What are your favourite books and why?
My favourite is often something I just read and loved. So, for example, yesterday I finished Early-Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny which is like Armistead Maupin meets Anne Tyler and moves to Michigan; it’s wry, warm, funny and I already miss all of the characters. I am also a huge fan of Ann Patchett, Anne Tyler and Elizabeth Strout, all of whom I reread both for craft and comfort.
Any tips for writers intending on entering the competition?
Do it; the process of being part of a competition like the CNP, however far you get, will change your perception of yourself as a writer. You will be read, you will get feedback and, suddenly, the book on your laptop will start to feel so much more real and possible.