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Author Gilly MacMillan talks to us about her latest novel The Long Weekend and the inspiration behind her writing.
Gilly Macmillan is a bestselling author. Her first novel, What She Knew, was a Target pick, a LibraryReads pick, an Indie Next pick, an Edgar award nominee, and an International Thriller Writers award finalist. The Nanny was a Spring 2020 Richard & Judy WHSmith Book Club pick and To Tell You the Truth was named one of the best thrillers of 2020 by the New York Times.
Her books have been translated into over 20 languages. Gilly's latest novel, The Long Weekend, is published on 3rd February and is also available on our catalogue.
My biggest hero was David Attenborough. He still is. But otherwise most of my heroes were writers. My mum was an English teacher, and our house was stuffed full of books. She took us to the library regularly. I read all the classics but also everything else I could get my hands on. I still read very widely. I didn’t think of trying to be a writer until I was in my early forties. It never occurred to me before then. I attempted to write fiction for the first time when my youngest child had just started school and I had a little bit of time to myself for the first time in years. A little bit of time is all you need to get started. That, and to read as much as you can.
I really wish it got easier every time! I suppose with each book you try to avoid making mistakes you’ve made before, but even if you do that, the challenge of creating new characters and a new world remains, as well as coming up with and wrangling a fresh and exciting plot. I try to push myself with each book, to do better, or to attempt something different. It’s challenging but it keeps me on my toes. While I’d love an easier life, I would be worried if I suddenly found writing undemanding because I want to do my best for my readers and for myself.
I spend at least half the day, usually morning, writing new material, or editing, depending on where in the publication cycle I am. This is the most creatively demanding work and there’s a limit to how much mental energy I have each day for it. I always prioritise it. I usually write in my home office with my dog at my feet and a cup of coffee to hand. After that, I attend to the less creatively demanding aspects of being a writer. I might do some research, or post on social media where I love connecting with readers and other authors, or I work on publicity requests or make sure my website is up to date. There’s always something to keep me busy.
The Long Weekend is the story of three women who arrive for a weekend away at a remote house in Northumbria, only to discover a letter telling them that by the time they read it, one of their husbands will be dead. They can’t leave. There’s no phone reception or internet. Things spin out of control.
I get ideas from many places. My debut What She Knew was inspired by my own worst nightmare: for one of my children to go missing. I’ve also got inspiration from stories told me by friends or in the news, from true crime podcasts and documentaries. The Long Weekend is unusual in that its premise was inspired by a film, the 1949 romantic drama A Letter to Three Wives. It’s a great watch.
Bristol is a brilliant city, bursting with life, culture and independent spirit as anyone reading the news about it will know. It’s a wonderful location for a novel for these reasons and also because it offers a variety of fantastic locations, ranging from the genteel Georgian architecture of smart Clifton Village to Stokes Croft, home of a famous Banksy and amazing street life, to the beautiful dockside and lots more. It’s always inspiring.
Haha! Great question. Of course, I’m tempted to say I could tell you but then I’d have to kill you but in actual fact it’s not that exciting. We’d likely discuss the progress of the books we’re currently working on, the challenges of a writing life, publishing industry news and gossip, our recent releases and how they have fared. We all live relatively isolated lives when we’re working so it’s always a thrill to get together with other writers and share experiences. What I can tell you is that there is never a dull moment!
Not quite yet… I’m working hard on it and am excited to spread the word once it’s finished.
Just one! That’s so hard. Based on what I’ve been doing recently, please listen to Lacrimosa Dies Illa from Mozart’s Requiem, K.626. It’s sad but exquisite, and if you can, listen while you’re watching Come and See, a stunning, riveting and very necessary film which features the piece to incredible effect in its soundtrack.
My son Max has a role in BBC drama Call the Midwife playing Timothy Turner, the doctor’s son.