Our Writer Of The Week is author Gillian Dean. Gillian’s short story, “To Brave The Sea”, is in the April 19 issue, on sale this week.
In your story, the sea proves healing balm to your protagonist. What is it about nature that enthuses you in your writing?
I have always been a keen hiker and walker and Scotland’s mountains are beautiful – rugged and unpredictable. Mountain and sea landscapes are constantly changing depending on the weather conditions, but they always endure. Sometimes the landscape mirrors my thoughts and moods and sometimes it challenges them, but I never tire of appreciating the beauty and strength of nature.
What are you writing plans for the rest of 2025?
I would love to try writing some crime stories, which is one of my favourite genres. So, I plan to be more disciplined about sitting down and writing instead of letting an idea float in and then out of my mind. I hope to channel my ideas more rigorously.
When writing, do you ever give up on a story – or do you always find a way to make it work?
I don’t usually give up on a story. I tend to pick a subject close to my heart and characters I like, so that the story feels real to me and hopefully also strikes a chord with readers. As mentioned, I would like to try cosy crime stories, but I might find I tie myself in knots with overcomplicated plots. Therefore, there may be quite a few false starts.
Do you write with readers in mind, or is it a matter of creating stories, hoping others will enjoy them?
I try and write about characters and circumstances that I hope readers will relate to, but the theme of the story is usually something that I’m personally interested in.
For you, what makes a story fall flat?
I often feel disappointed if an ending is either too predictable, or if it is not predictable enough because there has been no subtle foreshadowing. It’s getting that balance right between being kept guessing but also having a believable conclusion.
Notebook and pencil or laptop? Kitchen table or study? Blank wall or inspiring view?
I jot down ideas in a notebook if I’m out and about and see something that I find interesting, amusing or moving – usually when observing other people. When I start writing a story it is on my laptop at a desk, looking out at my garden so my gaze rests on the tranquillity of greenery, birds and squirrels when I’m gathering my thoughts.
What’s your one top tip for aspiring writers?
Be curious about everything around you.
Thanks, Gillian!
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”.
