We sat down with best-selling author, Jenny Colgan, to hear about her latest book and her favourite places to holiday in the UK. Enjoy!
What inspired you to write this book, and how did the idea come to you?
I was inspired by the beautiful coastal towns of northern Scotland, particularly the little cottages that are all tucked by the side of the road. They always look so welcoming and cosy and when I've been travelling it always feels like home to me when I see them.
Can you describe your typical writing process? Do you follow a specific routine or pattern?
Yes, it's my job, so I write every day after I've walked the dogs and faffed about a bit. Some days are more productive than others! But if I can get 10,000 words written a week I feel I'm doing well and deserve my gin and tonic on a Friday night!
How do you develop your characters and bring your settings to life?
Well, it is easy if you live in Scotland, because there are so many beautiful parts of it, gorgeous villages and fishing towns and country side and so many islands and beaches. I get to travel a lot with my job, so it's always lovely to visit new places. A lot of Scotland is so lovely; I always tell people if you travel to Scotland because of my books, I don't think you'll be disappointed. As for characters, I'm always interested in how people behave under pressure, and I really admire people who work in health services - Janey is an audiologist, which I think is such a worthwhile career.
Was there a particular chapter or scene in this book that was especially enjoyable or difficult to write?
I really loved writing about the puppies. Dogs are just so funny in general if you love dogs, and I found it highly amusing that they were such a dreadful cross-breed and nobody knew what to do with them.
What message or feeling do you hope readers take away after finishing your book?
I always want my readers to feel uplifted. A lot of my readers say they like to read my books for a little escape, a little bit of calm in their day, and that makes me very happy indeed.
Your book wonderfully captures the allure of seaside charm. What inspired you to set your story in the cosy world of UK cottages? Do you have a personal connection to these idyllic retreats?
Thank you! I grew up in a coastal town, so I know where I'm writing about, and I love little cosy places, where you can go out if its sunny but stay nice and snug if it isn't!
Many people dream of owning or renting a picturesque seaside cottage with stunning views. If you were designing your own ultimate retreat, what features would top your list?
I grew up in a small seaside town- Prestwick- and I live in another one, Aberdour, and my husband is a sailor. We have always fallen asleep to the sound of the waves so that is very important to both of us, to be near the sea. And somewhere to walk the dogs!
Cottage holidays often revolve around family and close friends. How did you approach conveying relationships like these in your story?
The older I get the more interested I am in families; the interconnectedness and the different generations muddling along. So I like to write about that. Also the only good thing about getting old is how long you've known all your friends! So you should treasure them too.
Quick Fire Questions
What’s your favourite seaside escape in the UK?
Aberdour or Bude.
Name one book you’d pack for a quiet weekend away in a cottage.
I couldn't take one book away. What I also love are those old sandy paperbacks that people leave behind, there's always some old Stephen King and what not. I always take a classic book to read then end up re-reading an old dog-eared copy of 'Dominion' by James Herbert.
Windows thrown open to the breeze or snuggling under a wool blanket?
Always open. In the summer in Scotland when it doesn't really get dark I also like the curtains open.
Tea by the fire or a picnic in the garden?
Ooh both! But if it's nice and sunny, a picnic please.
What’s your ideal rainy afternoon activity during a cottage stay?
Films! When one of my children was small they said, 'isn't it weird that whenever we watch a film it rains'.
Cream tea or fish and chips at a local pub?
I am on holiday so I insist on both even if I feel sick later.
What’s one small luxury that transforms a countryside retreat into an unforgettable stay?
I am so addicted to my coffee machine if I am driving to a destination, I pack it.
Name a quaint tradition or custom you love about the UK seaside.
Chips.
Morning walks or sunset views?
Up and at the day. I get itchy if people stay in bed too long. Makes my teenagers furious!
Jenny Colgan photo credit: Lisa Ferguson.
