I’d always wanted to write novels, but I became a lawyer instead. After twenty years of being a lawyer in London I finally took the plunge, gave up my career and did an MA in Creative Writing at Goldsmiths, University of London. It took another eight years before my debut (which was actually the third book I’d written) was published. During those eight years, my husband and I left London and moved to Pembrokeshire in Wales, where I now spend most of my time writing, reading and walking our two dogs.
Meet Carole Hailey
Questions on Writing
What is the hardest part of your writing experience?
Before being published, the hardest part was getting a publishing contract, but once I had that, the hardest part has become all the waiting. It’s such a long time between finishing writing a novel and seeing it in print and there’s so much waiting for things to happen. I find it hard not being in control and I really don’t enjoy that side of the writing experience.
What have you learned about yourself when writing?
I’ve definitely learned that I can be resilient– I wrote two novels and had an agent but failed to get published, before writing The Silence Project and signing with a new (and totally fabulous) agent. I surprised myself with my determination to pick myself up from the many disappointments and keep on writing without knowing if I’d ever get published.
Do you make yourself write everyday/regularly, or only when inspiration strikes?
I write regularly. The only reason I won’t write on any particular day is if I’m doing something else. Having said that, I need quite long periods of uninterrupted time ahead of me to be able to settle down and write. For example, right now, I’m waiting for someone to arrive in about an hour and so I’m answering these questions because it’s not enough time to get my head into the right place to carry on with the novel.
What does literary success look like to you?
This is such an interesting question. Honestly, it genuinely feels like success if anyone other than my mum reads my book! But, every time I’ve seen The Silence Project in a bookshop, it feels like I’ve won the lottery. I always absolutely loved reading, I feel more at home in libraries and bookshops than anywhere else (other than my home!) and, for me, literary success is knowing that my book is worthy of a tiny part of that shelf space.
How much planning/world building do you do before writing, and how much comes along as you write?
I don’t do an enormous amount of planning, however I do know the major ‘beats’ of the novel before I start out. I know where it’s beginning and where it’s going to end, and some of the key points along the way. But the detail of both plot and world building really only emerges as I’m writing.
What was it about the dystopian thriller genre that attracted you?
I’m a massive fan of Margaret Atwood, so I was always going to be drawn towards a dystopian theme. However I was really interested in exploring how a dystopian society might come about. The Silence Project ends up as a dystopia, but starts in a very mundane, middle-class village in Hampshire. Getting my protagonist from that place to the dystopia the world becomes was what I was interested in writing.
How do you celebrate when a book is published?
A meal out with friends and family boring them for hours about how excited I am…
Questions on Books and About You
Firstly, the most important question, what books are currently ‘on your bedside table’?
I am trying to work my way through both the Dylan Thomas Prize and Women’s Prize longlists. This morning I finished reading River West, River East by Aube Rey Lescure, which I absolutely loved. It felt completely fresh and unlike almost anything else I’ve read. Next up is Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad, which I’m really looking forward to. I have also just received a copy of The Villain’s Dance by Fiston Mwanza Mujila – translated by Roland Glasser. I read as much Congolese fiction as I could when I was writing The Silence Project and I can’t wait to read more by this wonderful author. Plus, an amazing benefit of being published is having the opportunity to read proof copies. I’ve currently got Le Fay by Sophie Keetch and Circus of Mirrors by Julie Owen Moylan and I’m really looking forward to reading both of them.
What children’s book would you suggest every adult read?
That’s a simple one. A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin. I reread it every few years and absolutely love it.
What does your writing space look like?
I’m lucky to have a dedicated writing (and reading) room. Until my debut was published it was dominated by a spare bed, but after The Silence Project came out, I decided to turn it into a writing room (with a blow-up bed for guests). We live in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and so my view is out onto the glorious Preseli Hills. Inside the room there are a lot of books – obviously.
How many books do you think you own?
Books and reading have been my constant companions throughout my life and I never throw or give a book away, I just buy more bookshelves. I honestly don’t know how many books I have, but I’d estimate somewhat more than two thousand and perhaps fewer than four thousand.
Who is your literary icon?
I’ve already mentioned Margaret Atwood, who is definitely one of my literary icons. I would also say Chimamanda Ngozie Adiche because for me, her books encapsulate what it is to be human, she manages to explore everything that unites us while also celebrating our differences. I absolutely adore her writing. I also have a massive soft spot for Emile Zola, who I think does that same as Chimamanda but obviously through an entirely different lens.
If you could own one rare/1st edition copy of a book, which would it be?
A first edition of A Wizard of Earthsea please!
Is there an author who you always read?
In addition to the authors I’ve already mentioned, there are many others whose books I would always read. Just a few of them are: Elizabeth Strout, Natasha Pulley and Naomi Alderman.
And finally, are there any plans for any new books? If so, what teasers can you give us?
Yes! My next novel will be published in 2025. It’s about a non-violent female psychopath. I wanted to explore what it would be like to inhabit a mind that experiences very little emotion, and for whom the greatest pleasure is manipulating other people.
Thank you Carole😊 Your next book sounds very intriguing and exciting, and I already can’t wait for 2025!
Carole Hailey’s Books
Books By Your Bedside 