We are honoured to work with as many authors as we do at Pegasus Publishers – each with their own stories to tell. Their worlds are singular, their characters are relatable, and their creativity truly knows no bounds. This is Author Life with Monika Wood, author of ‘Lunch at Alfredo’s’.
We are honoured to work with as many authors as we do at Pegasus Publishers – each with their own stories to tell. Their worlds are singular, their characters are relatable, and their creativity truly knows no bounds.
This is Author Life, a feature on the Pegasus Blog, that opens the door to each of our author’s creative process and previous literary experience, offering you – the reader – an opportunity to learn a little about the mind behind the novel.
This is Author Life with Monika Wood, author of ‘Lunch at Alfredo’s’.
What are the three most important things you have accomplished, aside from publishing a book?
Turning my life around at the age of forty, by becoming an English teacher and working in Saudi Arabia, teaching English to young Saudi women and giving them a future perspective. Reaching the Tiger's Nest Monastery in the Himalayan mountains of Bhutan. I have a fear of heights. But I was determined to visit this incredible landmark. I had to overcome my fear and trust in my abilities and mental strength. Buying a little 'piece of Scotland' that I call home now. My whole life I felt a deep connection with this land. Finally, I made it happen.
In your own life, what influences and inspires you to write?
People. Everyone around me. I observe, I study, I create a story around those that grab my attention. People of all ages and all walks of life. They fascinate me.
Which book or author has had the biggest impact on you, and why?
I have two authors that have had a big impact on me. Robert Harris. I adore the way he makes historic events approachable and understandable for everybody. The historic research is extremely thorough, and the way he wraps those events in a fictional story is captivating. Astrid Lindgren. As I also write children's books I love Astrid Lindgren. Her books haven't lost their actuality over the decades. Even as a woman of old age, she never lost her childlike curiosity and produced wonderful stories for children and adults alike.
How would you summarise your book in as few words as possible?
For the duration of lunch time hours, strangers all find themselves in an Italian restaurant. They all have specific reasons to be there. During the course of their lunch we get to see behind the facades of the diners. We learn about their dreams, their fights, their fears. It's a book for all of us, who love watching strangers and making up stories of how those people's lives might be - and how wrong we often get it.
What were your first experiences with writing?
A few years back I wrote a monthly column for an expat magazine in Spain. The theme of my columns was around healthy living and eating. It was quite successful, and I wrote my articles for three years. When I first told friends that I was attempting to write a book, everybody thought it would naturally be a cookbook or some sort. I liked the process of writing my articles. I always felt that writing was for me. And when the idea of Lunch at Alfredo's came to me, I decided to give it a go and write the book that had been inside of me.
In your opinion, what are the key ingredients for a good story or novel?
Believable characters and good dialogue.
How long do you spend writing every day?
It depends on my daily schedule. It can be anything between three hours to eight hours. I usually write very early in the morning. I often get up at five o'clock and write until I have to start my day.
How long did you spend writing this novel?
The first draft I wrote within a year. The editing process then took another year. I had some trusted friends read the draft and give me feedback, which was invaluable.
What was the most challenging part of writing this book, and what did you learn from writing it?
The most challenging part was allowing myself the time to write. I often felt guilty when I was sitting at my laptop typing away when there were was so much to do for work or around the house. I had to get over that feeling of guilt and tell myself that I was creating something good.
What did you find most helpful when writing your book?
The process of preparation. My story has multiple protagonists. Each person needed to be created. I drew mind maps for each character with any information I felt was needed or helpful for the story, anything that brought the character 'to life'. And I am a faithful user of Wikipedia, to me invaluable when it comes to research.
What writing advice would you offer to your younger self?
Write things down, events, important moments, feelings. I have had - and still have - a rich life. I often attempted to write a daily journal. I never stuck with it. Today I am thinking this could have been a great source for ideas.
Lunch at Alfredo’s is available now!
At Alfredo's, the scent of fresh basil and warm bread lingers in the air, a silent witness to the lives that pass through its doors.
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