One of the great pleasures of being in the Romantic Novelists’ Association is that you get to meet some really nice people. I’d include The Romaniacs among those, so it’s my pleasure to having them as my guest authors over the next few days (it’ll take three days because there’s nine – count ‘em! – of them.)

Today we have Catherine Miller, Celia Anderson and Debbie White answering my questions (answers picked and mixed).

What inspired you to start writing?

Debbie: Years ago, when I was on maternity leave from my job as a Bank Manager, one afternoon I sat and jotted down an outline for a novel and stuck it in a drawer, telling myself ‘one day’ I would write it.

Fast forward a few years, and after a long time battling health problems, I had to retire from the day job on ill-health grounds. Trouble was, my brain was still alive, but my body wouldn’t let me do what I wanted it to! Being a creative type, I started a little craft business to keep busy but when my health got the better of that too. I can’t remember the precise moment, but one day as I thought of how I might re-invent myself, I came upon the notepad I’d jotted the story down on all those years before and re-wrote it. The next thing I knew, I was inspired to outline another two or three novels, two non-fiction books, and all sorts of articles and short story ideas, and booked myself on several writing courses. My health continues to be a battle but in between, my writing has been my salvation and I’ve discovered it’s my one true love!

Catherine: An active imagination from a young age. I started my first novel as a teen about a youth group. I’ve no idea if it was any good because it died at the same time as the ancient computer. No dropbox in those days.

How do you choose a particular setting and era?

Celia: Only seem to be able to write in the ‘now’, so far. Settings are usually familiar ones with some further-flung ones thrown in, probably favourite places.

Catherine: I’ve always written contemporary and I tend to go for places I’ve visited that spark my imagination. My WIP is based in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in Australia.

Are you character or plot driven? What do you do if one of your characters starts developing at a tangent?

Debbie: Definitely character! I love characters and the bigger and larger than life the better. My characters often start taking on a life of their own and I just go with it. It’s what makes them real to allow them that chance to breath for themselves!
Catherine: I tend to think of setting first and let the plot develop from there. As a new writer I’m still learning about plot and character. I’m don’t think any of my characters have gone off on a tangent, but maybe that’s because I let them take me on a journey and I go with the flow.

How many works do you have in progress?

Celia: Two children’s books (although actually they’re finished and being brutally edited), and two romances, ditto. Then a sequel I’ve only just started. And a few random scribbles…oh, and some poems…and the odd short story that needs tweaking…oh dear.

Catherine: I tend to get distracted so I am concentrating on one WIP, my novel, Miles Between Us.

If you were in a tight corner and had to rely on one of your characters to save you, which would it be and why?

Celia: It would be Alex, the gay love interest from ‘The Chocolate Project’. He has his head screwed on and he’d understand the need, in a crisis, to have dinner and a hot bath as soon as possible.

If you had no constraints of time and a guarantee of publication, what book would you write?
Debbie: Something gritty and real. I adore the old kitchen sink type books by authors like Stan Barstow, Allan Sillitoe, and Nell Dunn.

What’s been the best thing about the RNA in general and the New Writers' Scheme in particular?

Debbie: Just an amazing support network. And I’ve made some proper friendships with like-minded people who don’t think I’m mad for thinking like I do and wanting to write.
Celia: The support from other members, especially The Romaniacs – couldn’t do without them now. And the chance to submit a MS for a critique each year, my first was awful but I hope this year’s will be better.

Catherine: When I joined I had no idea how much support the RNA provided. Everyone (at every level) has been so welcoming and encouraging partly, I think, due to the fact that a number of them came through the NWS. In terms of the NWS it is so encouraging to have people in the same position as you, to be able to share advice, woes and successes. It is because of this that we formed The Romaniacs.

Is there a classic book you started and simply couldn't finish?

Debbie: Precious Bane by Mary Webb
Celia: I am guilty of starting and abandoning lots of classics – the spirit is willing, but the flesh…ah, that’s another story. I was particularly bored by ‘Persuasion’ but it was an A level text, so maybe I was wanting to party too much at the time!