Sheila Daglish
Sheila Daglish loves writing stories which combine mystery, intrigue and romance. An Open University degree confirmed her passion for history, so 'treasure hunt' plots were the perfect solution. They give her a fine excuse to read about the past and wonder 'what if...?'
Sheila lives with her family in a rambling Devon cottage set in seven acres of grounds. They are slowly renovating the building and returning the gardens to their former beauty. Work and family have necessarily swallowed her writing time but 'creative thinking' rarely stops. And so, she looks forward to more adventures – even if they are only in the mind! Website: www.sheiladaglishnovels.com |
Sheila's books
Author interview
How did you become a writer?
My first job involved writing captions for a shoe and leather trade magazine, which I enjoyed. Later, a creative writing class helped me to craft articles and short stories. I sent off the first chapter of a novella, and was astounded when the publisher asked for the rest. I hadn’t written any more. After three months, spending every spare minute typing, the story was accepted. I was ecstatic!
What is the best thing about being a writer? And the worst?
The best thing is stepping into that fantasy world, and a location I know and love. The worst thing is the moment of sitting at the computer, convinced I can’t do it!
How long does it take for you to write a book?
This varies depending on what’s happening with family and, in the past, work commitments. 30,000-word novellas have taken six months. 50,000-word Rainbow Romances for Robert Hale took, possibly, a year. Because these books involved 'treasure' hidden long ago, I first spent weeks on historical research.
What is your writing day like?
I try to do household tasks in the morning, squeeze in some gardening if the weather is dry, and hope for a few uninterrupted hours in the afternoon. Evenings can be good, too, but I find a regular writing routine difficult to keep to.
What kinds of books do you read yourself?
I’ve read Mary Stewart’s books again and again, especially the early ones. I loved Susanna Kearsley’s Mariana, a novel which combines suspense, romance and time-slip across the centuries. I enjoy historical biographies and spy thrillers, e.g. John Buchan – a strange combination! More recently I decided to try authors I hadn’t yet read. These included Joanne Harris, Kathy Reichs, Jodi Picoult and Mary Higgins Clark. (I find Clark gripping but not to be read before bedtime!)
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I’m fascinated by family history research. Once both my parents had died I felt like an orphan (at 50+!) and needed to discover my roots. I’ve learnt so much about my family and discovered relations, past and present: 'a great Jacobite' who fought at Culloden, an Arctic explorer – great stuff! It’s like a giant cobweb. Hard to decide which strand to explore next.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Persevere. Consider seriously any criticisms from readers who are familiar with the genre. Avoid discussing what you’re doing with anyone who is dismissive or negative about your efforts. Just think – have they ever tried to write a book? You can’t afford to have your fragile confidence knocked.
My first job involved writing captions for a shoe and leather trade magazine, which I enjoyed. Later, a creative writing class helped me to craft articles and short stories. I sent off the first chapter of a novella, and was astounded when the publisher asked for the rest. I hadn’t written any more. After three months, spending every spare minute typing, the story was accepted. I was ecstatic!
What is the best thing about being a writer? And the worst?
The best thing is stepping into that fantasy world, and a location I know and love. The worst thing is the moment of sitting at the computer, convinced I can’t do it!
How long does it take for you to write a book?
This varies depending on what’s happening with family and, in the past, work commitments. 30,000-word novellas have taken six months. 50,000-word Rainbow Romances for Robert Hale took, possibly, a year. Because these books involved 'treasure' hidden long ago, I first spent weeks on historical research.
What is your writing day like?
I try to do household tasks in the morning, squeeze in some gardening if the weather is dry, and hope for a few uninterrupted hours in the afternoon. Evenings can be good, too, but I find a regular writing routine difficult to keep to.
What kinds of books do you read yourself?
I’ve read Mary Stewart’s books again and again, especially the early ones. I loved Susanna Kearsley’s Mariana, a novel which combines suspense, romance and time-slip across the centuries. I enjoy historical biographies and spy thrillers, e.g. John Buchan – a strange combination! More recently I decided to try authors I hadn’t yet read. These included Joanne Harris, Kathy Reichs, Jodi Picoult and Mary Higgins Clark. (I find Clark gripping but not to be read before bedtime!)
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I’m fascinated by family history research. Once both my parents had died I felt like an orphan (at 50+!) and needed to discover my roots. I’ve learnt so much about my family and discovered relations, past and present: 'a great Jacobite' who fought at Culloden, an Arctic explorer – great stuff! It’s like a giant cobweb. Hard to decide which strand to explore next.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Persevere. Consider seriously any criticisms from readers who are familiar with the genre. Avoid discussing what you’re doing with anyone who is dismissive or negative about your efforts. Just think – have they ever tried to write a book? You can’t afford to have your fragile confidence knocked.