Interview with Margot Lawrence
Published 2013-09-30.
What is your writing process?
I tend to put down a rush of ideas without editing them like a stream of consciousness almost. Once my thoughts are on paper, it's easier to then structure them and shape the format. When I sit down to write, I will firstly look at the material from the day before and edit it that before moving on to the next section of my book.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
The first story I can remember reading was from a book of fairy stories. I was probably five at the time. The one that struck me was a fairy tale from France. It was about a servant who was given a task by an ogre. He had to sweep out a stable, but the more he swept, the more dirt, dust and straw appeared. I feel like that now when I clean my own house!
How do you approach cover design?
I had an idea for a cover design, but I am not a graphic designer, so, whilst I can see the cover in my head, I can't realise it on paper. Also I don't have any design software. So I commissioned someone else to do it.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
'Peter Pan' - JM Barrie, So vivid and rich with imagination and flights of fancy but still with a cosy, childhood safe feel.
'Anne of Green Gables' - LM Montgomery. Beautiful descriptions of Canada and also solid values of decency and kindness in the community of Avonlea.
'The Poisonwood Bible' - Barbara Kingsolver. A very powerful book which leaves you thinking about it for days afterwards to the extent that you don't want to read anything else for a while.
'Not without my Daughter' - Betty Mahmoody. This book is testament to the power and strength of the human being. How adversity made one woman act with enormous courage to save her daughter.
'Then we came to the End' - Joshua Ferris. A brilliant book about office politics and the interaction between the workers.
How many books do you read a month?
It depends on how much holiday time I have. I recently went away for the weekend and read 3 books. On holiday I often have my nose in a book most of the time. I probably on average read about 3 per month.
Describe your desk
My desk is a mess. papers everywhere with scrappy notes, pens that don't work and cups of old coffee. Ugh!
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I was born in Zimbabwe and grew up in South Africa, and then I moved to Britain.The way it's influenced my writing is that I have the ability to be on the outside of society looking in, because I've lived in different countries. Also it's shaped my sense of humour and ability not to take things too seriously.
When did you first start writing?
About ten years ago.
What's the story behind your latest book?
My book is a satire on managers and management. I have mainly worked in the public sector and I have lost count of the lousy managers I have had. After the last one I thought: 'Enough's enough'. And decided to take my revenge by immortalising them in print. Without mentioning their names of course. I thought at least it will make other people who have crappy managers laugh.
Who are your favorite authors?
Bill Bryson
Barbara Kingsolver
Linwood Barclay
Joshua Ferris
Anne Tyler
Jon Ronson
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Breakfast!
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Earning a living and walking the dog.
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