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Interview Malve von Hassell
– When did you start writing novels, what moved you to start writing?
As a child I tried my hand with a short detective story and a historical fiction story. My parents insisted that we write letters regularly whenever we were away from home, so writing was a part of life. In later years, I wrote academic articles and books, while working as a translator. But I wrote my first novel only six years ago.
– In what genres do you write? Do you plan writing in other genres?
I am writing historical fiction. However, I am also currently working on a biography of my mother.
– Tell us about your novels. Why should everyone buy them?
My first historical fiction book was written for young adult readers; however, older readers have enjoyed it as much if not more. It conveys real history while telling a believable and compelling story.
– What is your all-time favorite novel/book? What makes it special?
I love and will always love Ursula LeGuin’s Left Hand of Darkness. Set in an imagined world, it challenges readers and stretches their ideas of what human society can be while it seduces with stunning lyricism and evocative images.
– Tell us a bit about your writing process.
I admit to being slow to warm up, and I crave an organized environment that allows me to settle down and to concentrate. I try to write a little bit every day. Meanwhile, I marvel at writers who are able to produce over a 1500 words a day.
– What author would you love to have dinner with?
Guy Gavriel Kay, preferably if he brought a lute along and played troubadour songs after a glass of wine, evoking the Cauvaz wine featured in Song for Arbonne.
– Tell us about your hobbies and passions other than writing.
On an ideal day, I read, walk my dog, work in my garden, and, to complete this image of peace and contentment, do needlepoint.
– We have many followers who would like to start writing a book or are already writing their first novel, any advice for these brave people?
Write about something that you love or feel strongly about, be willing to accept criticism, and keep your day job. To be able to write is a privilege, a wonderful gift that can fulfill you beyond your wildest dreams and frustrate you like nothing else. Go forth and write, even if it is just a line a day.
– How often do you write, daily, every other day or?
I try to write almost every day. If I don’t write during my allotted time, I try to work on research or organization of my materials.
– Do you keep a notebook with ideas for your novels? If so do you carry the notebook with you so you won’t forget any ideas?
No. I do fill little pieces of paper when I think of something and leave it on my computer for the next day. It can get messy on my desk.
– How important is it to have your facts right and are there any instances when you bend history to fit your story?
It is very important to me to get my facts right. If I want to write valid historical fiction, I cannot be careful enough. The only ‘bending’ I have done to date is to play with a particular time frame in an upcoming novel, where my character arrives in a particular place even though the historical record is uncertain.
– What are you reading at the moment?
Don’t laugh. I am rereading Jane Austen. She always helps to balance me, especially during tense and uncertain times.
– How is it to be an author in your country? Do you have a good support from the local public?
I have found that my greatest source of support is from other writers I have met on social media.
– Certainly you have had some interesting episodes as an author, fans related or others, share one of them with us.
I once found an email from an unknown person in my in-box. It turned out to be a ten-year old girl who had read a children’s book which I had translated. She thanked me in a remarkably mature fashion for publishing this book and informed me that I inspired her to become a writer. I will never forget this.
– A final message for our circleofbooks.com readers.
I am grateful for Circle of Books for inviting me to post here. As to my readers, I am grateful to all who read my work. Their comments, positive as well as critical, help me immeasurably in my writing. After all, writing is about communication, and when readers react, that is the best form of communication for an author.
Thank you Malve. We at circleofbooks.com wish you much success!
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