This week I’m delighted to welcome my writer Mum, Rosemary Gemmell, technically back to my blog, as Rosemary featured in one of my first ever author interviews, as part of a blog challenge series I did a couple of years ago in November. For this reason I let her choose between mine and my husband’s questions (from last week), to mix it up a bit this time around.

My Mum has been a massive inspiration; penning a range of wonderful books, stories, poetry and articles (as well as academic essays).

It’s thanks to my Mum I felt encouraged from a very young age to develop my writing, and then have the confidence to share it with the world (I don’t think many people are lucky enough to have that type of support from a parent). We often discuss ideas, and what we’re working on. I always trust my Mum to give me insightful and honest feedback, and am very grateful for her technical wizardry and excellent editing!

Read on to find out more about a lovely collection of Rosemary’s work titled Words for All Seasons, which would make a perfect Christmas gift!

Author Biography

​Rosemary Gemmell is a Scottish novelist and freelance writer based in central Scotland. Rosemary writes contemporary and historical fiction, with occasional short stories, (many of which have won prizes), children’s fiction, articles and poems. Her short stories, articles and poems have been published in UK magazines, the US, and online.

When did you first start writing?

I first wrote creatively at high school when I went through a teenage, romantic phase and adored poetry and literature in general, so I started writing my own poetry. It was many years later before I moved on to articles, then fiction.

What do you write?

I write a little of everything: novels, short stories, articles, poetry, children’s fiction, and even a little bit of drama years ago. I’ve had lots of work published over the years and last year, I decided to put together a celebratory collection of new and previously published stories, articles and poetry along with some of my photographs to illustrate certain pieces. It was partly to highlight the different types of creative writing I enjoy and the book is divided into the four seasons – see below for a review.

Why do you write?

I write to entertain and communicate but also for self-expression and to make sense of the world, especially in non-fiction and poetry.

Share some of your favourite lines from reviews, or comments you have received about your work, which boosted your confidence (tell us what piece of work it relates to)

I’ve been lucky and honoured to have many wonderful reviews for my different books and appreciate each one as they encouraged me to keep writing. However, I don’t even mind a less praiseworthy review as long as I can learn from it.

As a change from my novels, this is a lovely review for my most recent collection, Words for all Seasons, that was published last year (in e-book, paperback and hardback):

What a treat it has been to read Words for All Seasons by Rosemary Gemmell. Her recently published collection of short stories, articles and poems is ideal for dipping into when you have a few moments to spare. The variety ensures there is something to please everyone. Conveniently divided into the four seasons, this is a book you will want to visit – and revisit – no matter what the season.

Any tips for new writers?

Keep reading, as that’s how we best learn what works and what doesn’t, and what type of writer we aspire to be.  And don’t give up at the first few hurdles – we all have to learn as we go, as in any other creative pursuit.

Do you have a regular writing routine, or do you write in frantic bursts?

Neither of the above! I’ve never really had a proper writing routine, much as I’ve often tried. I’m usually more creative in the morning but tend to write when I feel like it, or in short timespans. Sometimes, the less time I have, the better I write – perhaps because I get bored sitting too long at one task.

Where do you write? (A dedicated space, or on-the-go)

My absolute favourite way to write is in cafés or on trains with pen and paper. I’m never distracted by what’s going on around me and can happily sit in my own little bubble of creativity. Beats sitting at home on the computer, though I do have a study where I then type up what I’ve written.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Inspiration for my novels often begins with characters and setting. I’m not so interested in plotting (a weakness) as characters are most important to me as a reader and writer. Once I have an initial idea, I just write and let the characters play as the story develops. I usually have a vague idea of what the story will be about and where it will be set but I like to be surprised by where each book takes me.

What do you think about the concept of AI written books?

We won’t be able to turn the clock back on AI but I hope we never get to the stage of accepting it as a way to write books, especially fiction, although I know it’s already being used. Fortunately, AI is unlikely to ever express our unique human emotions in the same way we can (I hope).

What do you do to get into a ‘creative headspace’?

If writing in my study at home, I love music playing in the background, usually classical, easy listening, or Celtic – sometimes according to what I’m writing.

Where can we find out more about you, and your books?

My website is the best option for a complete overview of all my published books:

https://www.rosemarygemmell.co.uk

Buy Words for All Seasons here

Twitter X @rosemarygemmell (I sometimes take part in #haikusaturday)

And Instagram @rosemarygemmell