Beloved author, Katie Fforde shares insights into character development, the journey of writing, and the inspiration for her newest novel, Island in the Sun, set on the Caribbean Island of Dominica.
Fforde delves into character creation, revealing her method of infusing authenticity and relatability, often seeing reflections of herself in her protagonists. She explores the emergence of themes like love and self-discovery, emphasising the evolution of characters through unforeseen challenges. With warmth and wit, Fforde discusses the delicate balance of romance and humour in her work, all while highlighting the importance of cover art and the immersive power of setting.
What inspired the setting of Island in the Sun, and how did it influence the development of the story?
I was inspired to write Island in the Sun, set on Dominica in the Caribbean, because I have family there. I have visited numerous times and love the island. But it was only after my most recent visit that I felt I knew it well enough to set a book there.
The characters in your novels often feel very real and relatable. How do you go about creating such authentic characters, and do you see anything of yourself in them?
When I create characters, I imagine myself in their shoes, rather as an actor thinks themselves into a role. All my protagonists have some of me in them, but I like to give them characteristics I don’t share, like bravery! I try and work out why they might be who they are, and most importantly, who they might become.
Island in the Sun explores themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery. Can you share how these themes emerged and evolved as you wrote the novel?
I always know my main male and female characters are going to get together by the end of the novel, but I have to work out what they see in each other first. How does the relationship develop and what happens to reveal things that might be hidden in the beginning? It is usually what happens in the book that brings these characteristics to the fore. Sometimes things happen that I didn’t plan. It is often these incidents that help develop the characters the best.
The cover art for your books is always charming. How much input do you have in the design process, and how important do you think cover art is in attracting readers?
I think the covers are very important when it comes to attracting readers. If you have several rows of books in front of you, it’s going to be the most attractive cover you pick up. I do have input, but mostly I leave it to the fantastic team to create something everyone is going to love.
“Humour is part of romance.”
In Island in the Sun, the protagonist undergoes a journey of personal growth. Without giving away too much, can you share how her character evolves throughout the story?
At the beginning of the book, Cass hasn’t done very much with her life. Like so many, what she really wanted to do hadn’t really emerged yet. She faces very different circumstances, and has to make quick decisions and accept challenges she’d rather avoid. But it’s life’s difficulties that we learn most from, and the island presented a lot of difficulties!
Your novels often have a wonderful blend of romance and humour. How do you balance these elements, and do you find one more challenging to write than the other?
I feel that humour is part of romance, and I could never be attracted to someone who didn’t make me laugh. When I’m writing I don’t think too much about either romance or humour – I find it just emerges. I would hate to have to be funny on command. I’d find that very difficult.
The title, Island in the Sun, suggests a sunny and idyllic setting. How does the setting contribute to the overall mood and atmosphere of the book?
The setting of Island in the Sun is a vital part of the book. But Dominica isn’t a typical Caribbean island, with calm seas and vast white sandy beaches, it is much more complex, and I think, more beautiful. My characters learn about themselves and each other in what is an initially very challenging environment. The challenges inspire the love of the island.
Are there any particular challenges or surprises you encountered while writing Island in the Sun that stand out to you?
While I was writing Island in the Sun I was so entirely in the space, on the island, I often had to almost wake up when I stopped writing. The world I created was very real to me. I’m not sure it was a challenge for me, but it was a bit strange.
If you could spend a day with any character from Island in the Sun, who would it be and why?
I think if I could spend a day with any character from Island in the Sun, it would be Bastian. He has so much knowledge about the Caribbean, I could listen to him for hours.
Many readers turn to your books for a delightful escape. How do you hope readers will feel after finishing Island in the Sun?
I hope readers feel that they have been on the journey (literally!) with my characters, and have visited a place they didn’t know about before. I hope they feel satisfied and happy when it’s over.
READ AN EXTRACT FROM ‘ISLAND IN THE SUN’ >>
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