RHYS BOWEN: Well, dear Reddies, I am about to send my latest book off to the publisher. It's called (at the moment. Who knows what marketing will finally want it called) FROM SEA TO SKYE. I think I've told you about it before. Set in the 1960s, and 1930s and early 1900s.. a young writer is hired to help an elderly writer with dementia finish her last novel.
The challenge has been to give the reader what the elderly writer has written so far, so that the young writer can go to Skye and find clues to what really happened there. Which meant I had to write a novel in a style that is no only not my own, but is also not the usual style of this writer! Yes, I must be a glutton for punishment.
But I hope I've carried it off:
Here's how the manuscript starts:
"You can't do that," I said. "I didn't write it."
"Who did?" He looked confused.
"Iris Blackburn. It's her book. The phrasing has to be hers," I said
"Who is Iris Blackburn?" He was more confused now.
"The writer of The Wild Girl. Okay, it's me, but I'm writing as Iris Blackburn"
I don't think he has completely understood this yet.
Anyway, it's done and heading for my publisher and I'll be taking a well-earned rest! I really enjoyed revisiting the island of Skye vicariously. It's been years since I was in Scotland but I still have keen memories.
Have you enjoyed reading a book within a book? One of my favorite books ever was Possession by A S Byatt. The true story is revealed through two lots of poetry, both brilliantly constructed with the feel of Tennyson and Rosetti. I don't claim that mine is anywhere as good but it is a good story with a lovely twist at the end.
And I hope you don't mind if I finish with a small plug for my upcoming book, MRS ENDICOTT'S SPLENDID ADVENTURE. I've been thrilled to see it included in lists of the best books for the second half of the year, the best upcoming historicals etc. It comes out August 5 and I am doing lots of Zoom interviews, podcasts etc. I'll keep you up to date on those.
I enjoy reading a book within a book [David Mitchell's "Cloud Atlas" comes to mind] . . . "Isle of Skye" has such an intriguing premise, Rhys, with one writer helping to write another writer's book . . . I'm definitely looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a challenge, Rhys! Neither writer sounds like a voice I expect from you. Voice is such an interesting part of a reader's experience. Add a narrator and there's another layer!
ReplyDeleteHi everyone, I am home! I am looking at a mountain of laundry, grocery shopping and more. I tried to keep up with the blog but didn't always get to it but the ones I saw were terrific.
welcome back home, Judy
DeleteWelcome back!
DeleteWelcome back home!
DeleteBased on these snippets, you’ve done a fine job of writing as both Irises. Is it the dementia that has Iris changing her style? Or the help from the young writer?
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to keep up with reading all your books. Looking forward to Mrs. Endicott and Sea to Skye…or whatever it will be called.
I do find a book within a book fascinating. I loved Byatt's Possession.
ReplyDeleteI liked both these excerpts from your new book, although, like Judy, found neither voice one I would expect from you. Amazing change. Best of luck with a final title you like. I know the book will be a great success.
In Valerie Burns' "Mystery Bookshop" series, her protagonist writes a book which we get to see.
ReplyDeleteI can't think of a book within a book at the moment, but I admire you for taking it on - and pulling it off!
ReplyDeleteRhys, you are amazing! I love the description of John reading the draft:). I think Carol Goodman's Return to Wyldcliffe Heights has a book within a book. But your voices are so distinct! Hope Jenn weighs in about her LOVE AT FIRST BOOK too... I can''t wait to read From Sea to Skye!
ReplyDeleteSounds irresistable! I'll be keeping on the alert for ordering it. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteDon't mind the plug for your new release, and can't wait for the newest stand-alone to be ready for readers!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulation Rhys on Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure, and the upcoming Sea to Skye.
ReplyDeleteI too loved Possession, although it's been a long time since I read it. I also loved The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish, sort of a book-within-a-book, historical mystery
Fantastic! And a really high degree of difficulty – – congratulations! I Anthony Horowitz ‘s Magpie Murders series of course has books within books, also integral to the plot,, and in fact the book The Plot does, too. I think what makes it work is that the inner book has to matter to the entire book. Which yours of course does!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a challenge, Rhys. The Hubby also does't completely understand the "I'm not totally in control" statement when I talk about writing. I mean, I am - but the voices inside my head are telling me what to do.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on finishing the new book and I hope you enjoy your well-earned rest! And thank you for the reminder about Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure, which has sounded wonderful to me since your first reference to it.
ReplyDeleteLike Hank, Anthony Horowitz's Magpie Murders and its sequels were the first book-within-a-book examples that leapt to my mind. Beyond that, I'm having trouble recalling titles, but I am almost sure I have enjoyed a few others. I think it only works in the hands of a really strong writer. (Such as Rhys!)