Book editor Lucy Foley had always wanted to write a novel.
She wanted to write the book she wanted to read, but, like many of us, was afraid of taking the plunge. Why? ‘I think my biggest fear was discovering that I was a terrible writer,’ she says, ‘and that I simply wouldn’t be able to string a serviceable paragraph together.’
Her doubts were unfounded – aged 27, Lucy was offered a six-figure deal for two novels, including her debut, The Book of Lost and Found.
Here’s how she did it…
To me, writing a whole novel sounds intimidating/terrifying. Did you have any doubts on day one?
The magnitude of the undertaking could have been a bit daunting but, because I wasn’t convinced I’d ever get there, I’m not sure I worried too much about the word count! I was happy just to have got over that first fear, and to be having a go.
Let’s start at the beginning: how did you first put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard)?
I wrote a number of little sketches on characters, a couple of scenes. I don’t actually think any of the first few pieces I wrote made it into the book, though they were fundamental to it, because they helped me feel my way into it. It all felt a bit clunky and unnatural to begin with. But, gradually, it got easier.
Tell us a bit about your writing routine…
I’m quite boring, actually – I try to get to my desk at 9 or so, and then continue through a normal working day to about 6pm. I’ve been thinking recently that I should probably change this, though, as I definitely work at my best first thing in the morning and later in the evening.
I’ve set up a study at home, which I love, but sometimes it gets too quiet and I start to develop cabin fever. When that happens, I take myself out to one of my favourite coffee shops. I love working in cafes, actually – I’d probably do it the whole time if it wouldn’t bankrupt me! There’s something quite soothing about the hum of background noise and music.
I know you didn’t tell your co-workers that you were writing a book. Why? Do you think that helped you to write?
Definitely – I hardly told anyone for a while, in fact, including friends and family.
It meant that I didn’t have to be afraid of failing – particularly considering I worked in the business of books: otherwise it could have brought unnecessary pressure/embarrassment.
Then, when I’d written more than half and began to think it might be a good thing if I started to be afraid of failing, I began to tell people. It’s amazing what it does for productivity, when people ask how ‘the novel’ is coming along with a bit of an eyeroll thrown in for good measure!
Lucy’s debut novel, The Book of Lost and Found
Were there moments when you felt like giving up?
Yes, all the time. Particularly when I read something spectacularly brilliant for work or pleasure, and it just made me want to stop even trying, or when someone said something in a meeting about 20th century historical novels being ‘over’… ARGH.
There were a few wobbly moments along the way. And there were definitely times when I felt that the plot was all in a big tangle, and I couldn’t get it straight in my head. The best remedy for that, I’ve found, is to give it a bit of space – a day, two days, and come back to it. It’s amazing how much clarity a bit of distance gives you.
And finally, what advice would you give wannabe authors who want to write a debut novel but don’t know where to start?
The wonderful thing about writing a debut is there’s no time pressure on you, or expectation of length or subject matter. So just have a go.
Remember that you don’t have to show it to anyone, ever, if you don’t want to – and you can always start again, and again. You may be embarrassed by the first things you get down when you come back to look at them later – I’ve been mortified by some of the pieces I wrote. But none of them ever have to leave your computer, and the likelihood is they’ll all help you in the end in thinking your way into what you really want to write.
Writing is a little like exercise – if you do it every day, it definitely becomes easier, and feels more habitual. And, horrible expression, but don’t flog a dead horse – if you aren’t still in love with the idea after the first few pages, you’re definitely not going to be after the first hundred, and that will show on the page.
Don’t be afraid, in that instance, of letting that idea go, and waiting for the one that really excites you. It will come.
The Book of Lost and Found, by Lucy Foley, published by Harper Collins, is out now
