Our Writer Of The Week is debut author Veronica Leigh. Veronica’s short story, “Sweet Nothings”, is in the April 5 issue, on sale this week.
The feel-good tone of “Sweet Nothings” clearly stands out. Do you feel the “Friend” complements your story writing?
Thank you. I feel having the story published in “The People’s Friend” is a compliment in itself. Writing romance is a change of pace for me, so to have this attempt at a new genre accepted by a magazine of its calibre is an honour. It gives me confidence to keep writing in this genre.
Where did the story idea come from?
It began with my love of chocolate. I’m a chocaholic and I was just sort of daydreaming of a romantic scenario where I had a secret admirer who was leaving me chocolates. It felt like a recipe for a nice little romantic story. So, the daydream turned into me trying my hand at writing a romance and that became “Sweet Nothings”.
What drives your forward as a writer?
Trying new things – new genres to be more specific. Also, little successes spur me on. For a number of years, I wrote and tried to publish, mostly to no avail. That began to change around 2019/20. Any step forward is a blessing.
What book did you enjoy so much that you wished it wouldn’t end?
“A Long Fatal Love Chase” by Louisa May Alcott. I read it last year and just fell head over heels in love with it. I didn’t want it to end, especially the way it did.
Do you have any writing habits?
I try to write productively every day, usually for two or three hours in the afternoon. Except for Sunday. That’s my day of rest. I may do a blog post or work on edits, but I really try to take a break on that day.
Notebook and pencil or laptop? Kitchen table or study? Blank wall or inspiring view?
Both, actually. I usually start out with a notebook, outline scenes and make notes. Then I transfer that all to my laptop and it evolves from there. Usually, in my chaotic living room, the TV is blaring, my mother and sister are carrying on conversations and our dogs and cats are running around and getting into mischief. Somehow that works for me. Inspiring view – preferably a garden or the countryside.
What’s your one top tip for aspiring writers?
Experiment in other genres. I found my success experimenting in such a way.
Thanks, Veronica!
You can buy issues of “The People’s Friend” on Mags Direct, in newsagents and supermarkets every Wednesday, or by money-saving subscription.
If you enjoy fiction, don’t miss our stories and serials online, too.
Alan Spink I am a member of the “Friend” Fiction Team. I enjoy working closely with writers and being part of the creative process, which sees storytelling ideas come to fruition. A keen reader, I also write fiction and enjoy watching football and movies in my spare time. My one tip to new writers is “write from your imagination”.
