I have wanted to be a writer all my life. As a child I wrote reams, filling whole notepads until they formed a tall stack in the corner of my bedroom. I was always a bit of a loner at school, preferring my own company to others. I tended to live in a bit of an imaginary world, and I think my need to write was part of that. My father was also a successful novelist and journalist, so that obviously had a huge influence on me.
Meet Sorrel Pitts
Questions on Writing
What has been the hardest part of your writing experience?
Finding time to write whilst having to earn a living – and coping with the rejection. My writing career has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs. I’ve been represented by three top literary agents, but they’ve all failed to sell my work to the big five.
What have you learned about yourself when writing?
That I am one of the most determined people I know. Literally, a terrier with a book in its mouth. I refuse to give up.
Do you make yourself write everyday/regularly, or only when inspiration strikes?
When I set out to write a book, I write every day for four or five hours a day until the first draft is finished. So I need to take 4-5 months off work to do this. Then I’ll edit the draft around whatever job I’m doing (I am an editor and writer of educational materials by trade). The first draft usually flows out – it’s the edit that takes forever. I’m a bit of a perfectionist and always feel that something can be worded better.
What does literary success look like to you?
Writing a book that truly comes from you (where it requires a baring of your soul), that you are proud of, is the best that you can do, and that others seem to rate highly. I don’t put much store these days by the fickle and somewhat cowardly approach by the publishing industry. It’s run by accountants these days and most of the time all the acquisitions editors do is replicate what they think works. It’s the independent publishers who take the risks. Just look at who’s been winning the Booker Prize in recent years.
How much planning/world building do you do before writing, and how much comes along as you write?
It can be years. My second novel, Broken Shadows, is set around a mysterious henge of stones called ‘The Devil’s Den’ on the Marlborough Down in Wiltshire. I’d wanted to write about these stones since I first came across them at the age of 14, but I didn’t start Broken Shadows till my 40s. A long sequence of events set the idea for the novel into motion, with the final plot falling together over the course of several years. After I finally started writing it, many other ideas came to me as plot drivers for the characters’ motivations. It took eight years to write the book altogether.
What was your inspiration behind your books?
The beautiful, mystical Wiltshire countryside is a strong presence and inspiration in both my books although their stories are modern. I’m not sure if ‘inspiration’ is the right word, but in the past, tough life events (such as losing my father, and later, illness and losing my home) have made me want to write. It think it’s my way of gaining some control over them, and at the same time, escaping them.
How do you celebrate when a book is published?
Broken Shadows is set in a real village (albeit with a fictional name) in Wiltshire, and features the local pub. So it made sense to have the launch there. It was a great night – so many of the locals came, we had live music all night (I am also a musician), a huge buffet and dancing.
Questions on Books and About You
Firstly, the most important question, what books are currently ‘on your bedside table’?
Hilary Mantel’s A Memoir of My Former Self, and The Salt Road by Raynor Winn.
What children’s book would you suggest every adult read?
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
What does your writing space look like?
It’s a desk in my father’s old office (he’s dead now but my mother still lives in their cottage and I go there to work and keep an eye on her). It’s the same place I do my everyday editing work – I love the continuum of stepping into his slippers and sitting where he used to sit and ponder his own plotlines. Except that I manage to do it without numerous Silk Cuts!
How many books do you think you own?
Maybe 800? It’s really hard to say as I studied English Literature at university so have tons of books from that period. I have lots of titles on Kindle too.
Who is your literary icon?
Emily Bronté
If you could own one rare/1st edition copy of a book, which would it be?
Wuthering Heights
Is there an author who you always read?
Donna Tartt. The Goldfinch was a work of genius.
And finally, are there any plans for any new books? If so, what teasers can you give us?
I do have an idea for a new book and my fingers are beginning to itch. Let’s just say this one will be more of an adventure – and with less of a plan…
Thank you Sorrel😊Your answers were very insightful and it’s lovely to read about your writing space in your late father’s home.
Sorrel Pitts’ Books
Books By Your Bedside 