Kate Galley: 'Nail your genre if you’re writing commercial fiction'
BY Katie Smart
11th Oct 2022
Kate Galley started writing on our How to Write Your Novel series of online courses (Starting to Write Your Novel, Write to the End of Your Novel and Edit & Pitch Your Novel). Her debut novel The Second Chance Holiday Club will be published by Aria Fiction this December.
We caught up with Kate to find out more about her time studying with us and the inspiration behind Evelyn Pringle – the 76-year-old protagonist of her debut novel.
You took our six-week online Edit & Pitch Your Novel course in 2017. How did your time studying with us impact your writing journey?
My writing journey actually started with Curtis Brown Creative. I looked for an accessible online course to see if I could take my writing more seriously. After completing the Starting to Write Your Novel and then the Write to the End of Your Novel courses, I was on a roll and decided to take Edit & Pitch Your Novel too. What they offered me were the tools I needed to, not only, write, finish and edit my book, but the confidence to think there was merit in my work and that I could and should approach agents.
Many of our students find lifelong writing friends on our courses. Are you still in touch with anyone you met during your courses?
That was the unexpected bonus of the courses. Twitter friendships and writing supportgroups have been formed. The mighty @VWG (Virtual Writing Group) continue to be a huge online and, in real life band of the very best of friends. I would say that the original and lasting friendship has been with Nikki Smith who I met on the first course. We began attending book events together and still support each other’s writing over wine and good food!
Your debut novel The Second Chance Holiday Club is to be published by Aria Fiction in December. Can you tell us a bit more about the novel and the inspiration behind it?
My debut novel is about Evelyn Pringle, a sheltered septuagenarian in a loveless marriage. When her husband dies she finds a letter in amongst his belongings. It’s a love letter to another woman, but it is also a confession. Evelyn sets out to hand deliver the letter, but ends up out of her depth with two unlikely companions on a festive coach trip to the Isle of Wight.
The novel is about friendships and second chances and was inspired by one of my clients and her incredible Christmas coach trip.
Your protagonist is 76-year-old Evelyn Pringle – was it important to you to voice the older generation? And do you have any tips for getting into the mindset of an older character?
It was hugely important to me to voice the older generation.I work as a mobile hairdresser and the majority of my clients are of that age. I am always inspired by their many varied and interesting stories. They have seen some years and have experiences that lead to fascinating tales. My tip would be to listen to your older friends and family members. Not just talk to, or at them, but actually listen to what they have to say.
Who is your favourite fictional character of all time?
I always think of Jane Eyre as my favourite fictional character. A strong and passionate woman who values independence. I have to say, though, after reading Lessons in Chemistry recently, Elizabeth Zott is a formidable contender!
What does a typical day of writing look like for you?
It used to be a hot mess of juggling work hours and procrastination, but I have learned to become more organised, giving myself a couple of full writing days a week away from my job. I start early on those days and try to be disciplined. When I am working I aim to write for a short while in the evenings so I don’t lose that all important flow. I find the longer I stay at my desk, the more productive I am.
What advice would you like to share with the aspiring authors reading this?
Nail your genre if you’re writing commercial fiction. I wasted a lot of time not really knowing what I was writing. Also, get your first draft written as quickly as you can. Write fast, write rubbish, no one will see it. Then, you’ll have something to edit.
Finally, what’s next for your writing journey?
My second book will be published next year. It’s a story about a woman who is feeling the pressure of settling down and conforming to what others think older age should look like. A chance encounter throws open a window to her past, and she heads to the Highlands to find an old friend.
After that, my fingers are itching to start my new project.
Pre-order your copy of The Second Chance Holiday Club.
Find out more about our How to Write Your Novel courses, designed to take you from your first idea to your final draft.