Lucky 13 Interview With Ivan Wainewright

1 – Can you start by telling us a little about your current book?

The Other Times of Caroline Tangent was published last year, and has the strapline “If you could travel back in time to see any concert, who would you go to see?”

It’s about Caroline Tangent, whose husband, Jon has invented a time machine so they can visit iconic gigs in history: Woodstock '69, David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust, Edith Piaf in 1930's Paris - an inexhaustible bucket-list. But they can't tell anyone they're doing so. As their trips to the past continue, they begin to realise how it could change a devastating moment from their own past. But for Caroline, it's clear they don't want the same outcome. Until, on one trip, one of them does something unthinkable which will change both their lives forever.

2 – Are you a plotter or a panster?

I’ve definitely moved from being a panster some years ago to planning my books more now. If you’re going to develop your protagonist so they’re battling and overcoming a significant internal change, then I think you need some structure and understanding before you start writing. I found Lisa Cron’s Story Genius incredibly helpful in considering this. But I’ll never be a full plotter – I enjoy finding out how the story changes and diverts as I write it!

3 – Savoury or sweet?

Savoury. Can’t do without Indian curries. (Although I do love a good tiramisu…)

4 – Three books to a desert Island. Go!

Laurie Lee: As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning. One of the most beautiful books ever written.

E Nesbit: The Treasure Seekers. To remind me of my childhood and a connection with home.

The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Because it’s genius and funny, but also so I could follow the essential guidance on the cover while I was on the island…

5 – Star Wars or Star Trek?

Definitely Star Trek. Especially TNG, Voyager and the more recent Discovery and Picard. I think The Borg are one of the best ever and scariest ‘villains’ in any sci-fi creation (along with Dr Who’s Weeping Angels).

6 – If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I’d be Anti-Procrastination Man…

7 – Music or Silence when writing?

Silence.

8 – If you could live anywhere in the world, and take everything that you love with you, where would you choose?

A small island in Southeast Asia, probably off the Malaysian coast, but anywhere in that region would be fine! (Ideally, that would also have a boat I could use anytime to get to the mainland easily when I needed provisions and a night out).

9 - Your favourite karaoke song?

Hanson, MMMBop. (I know, I know – it’s my guilty pleasure!)

10 – One piece of advice to an aspiring writer?

Finish something. I can’t tell you how many “Chapter ones” I wrote… Finish a book, even if it’s not your best work – it gives you such good experience and a great feeling of achievement.

11 – You win £1 million, but you must give half to charity. Which charity do you chose, and what do you do with the rest of the money?

Prisoners of Conscience: a wonderful human rights organisation who provide financial and practical assistance to prisoners of conscience and their dependents.

The rest of the money I invest in Wealdstone FC!

12 – Horror films, yes or no? If so, any favourites?

I’m not a fan of slasher films, but I watched much of Hitchcock’s The Birds through my fingers, and I do have a soft spot for George Romero’s Night of the Living Dead.

13 - What are you currently working on?

I’ve just started a new novel. Speculative fiction again, maybe more contemporary fantasy this time. Involves my protagonist travelling around the world, a mysterious gallery owner and an antagonist who will do anything to wrench away a deeply guarded secret.