Ojai author Jacqueline Winspear is the creative genius behind the New York Times best selling Maisie Dobbs mystery series. The crime novels center on Dobbs, a psychologist and private investigator who uses her past medical background along with her insight and ethical sensibilities to solve puzzling capers and unearth secrets. Set in the 1920s and 1930s, Winspear uses historical facts and events to anchor Dobbs and her adventures in Europe during World War I. This interview was conducted via e-mail, because Winspear is travelling promoting her next Maisie Dobbs book, A Lesson In Secrets. Her new book is available to the public on March 22, but early copies will be available on Saturday, March 19 at WordFest's Book Fair and Pre-Release Book Party where Jacqueline Winspear will read and discuss her latest work.
Q: Why are you excited for the 1st Annual Ojai WordFest?
A: I'm just thrilled to bits about the inaugural Ojai WordFest & Book Fair. With its vibrant arts scene and commitment to all things creative, Ojai is the perfect place for a literary event of this kind - it's an exciting addition to the many festivals drawing people to our very special Ojai Valley.
Q: Where did the idea of Maisie Dobbs come from?
A: Maisie Dobbs came to me while I was daydreaming – literally. I was stuck in traffic, waiting for the light to change, and into my mind’s eye walked Maisie Dobbs. In fact, by the time the light changed, the whole series of scenes that became the first chapter in the novel had opened before my eyes as if I were watching a movie, and by the time I arrived at work, I had the complete story in my head. I’ve often referred to that experience as a moment of “artistic grace,” though I have to say, I don’t think those moments happen in a vacuum. I have been interested in the era I write about since I was a child -- the years of the Great War and the inter-war period — and I have a particular interest in the experiences of the women of that era, for they were the first generation of women in modern times to go to war.
Q: What role do historical events play in the Maisie Dobbs novels?
A: They play a very important part, because time and place are as much characters in my novels as the people. We are all impacted by the events of our times – we talk about them with friends, we have opinions, we are moved by the experiences of others – so the events of the time underpin the experiences of my characters; they put their decisions and actions into context.
Q: In your opinion, has the digital revolution negatively or positively affected writing?
A: If you’re a writer, you’ll write, whether you have to use a quill or an iPad. The digital revolution hasn’t impacted “writing” either way, as far as I can see. But when it comes to the business of writing and whether a writer can find a readership – that’s a different matter. There are so many more outlets for writing now – online magazines, blogs, e-books – that it’s easy to be “published.” Unfortunately, it’s also all too easy to be published without editorial input.
Q: In your opinion, what is the hardest part about writing a mystery novel?
A: I also write articles, essays and short stories, and have written segments for radio. I don’t feel any distinction (between writing a mystery novel or, say, an essay or short story) when it comes to the writing process. I think one of the aspects of writing that is underestimated, is stamina – writing takes a lot of energy, whether physical, intellectual, emotional or spiritual. Therefore, because I am on book-a-year contracts, with a new deadline every twelve months, keeping that stamina going while being a creative and inspired person is paramount. Last year, as well as writing a new novel, I also published two short stories and contributed to two essay collections – all on deadline -- and if you’re a professional writer, you have to work to and honor deadlines, for so much depends upon you playing your part in the agreement; it’s a business, after all. So, to conclude, I don’t think there’s a “hardest part” about writing a mystery novel, but making sure you are always doing your best work, whatever you are writing, can be a challenge – and you have no choice but to develop that stamina, as well as brutal honesty with yourself when you look back at your work.
Q: What advice do you have for future writers?
A: It’s easy – sit down and write every single day. Do not try to follow or be ahead of trends – that never works. And don’t be afraid to send your work out to agents and/or publishers. So many people say they are afraid of rejection – and to be honest, there are far scarier things in life. The great thing about rejection is that you’ve eliminated a non-productive outlet for your work. Move on and write on!
I think the other important thing is to take a bit of advice from the gym and “crosstrain.” If you’re a non-fiction writer, play with poetry, ditto if you write novels – it’s a great way to enhance your sense of rhythm in your work. Try essays, and articles. Write a piece in rhyming couplets. If you are a writer of serious works, have a go at comedy, and vice-versa. Writing calls for creative muscle-building, so don’t just keep doing the same thing – open the doors to your imagination as wide as you can and tone your writing.
Ryan White is a freelance writer, editor and photographer volunteering with the Ojai WordFest.
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