Emersons Green author Ali Bacon has just published her latest book, The Absent Heart. She discusses her inspiration for the story with Gianina Turner
What has been your path to becoming a published author?
I had an ambition to write from an early age, but it somehow got lost in other life events. When I reached the age of fifty, I decided it was time to make a start and joined an evening class for creative writing. I retired from my job as a librarian in 2010 and so this has become a kind of second career.
Two of your books were set in the 19th century. What made you decide to write historical fiction?
My first novel (‘A Kettle of Fish’, 2012) was contemporary fiction and I didn’t intend to write anything historical until I stumbled across the story of a Victorian photographer living in Edinburgh, which I couldn’t resist turning into fiction. Then I enjoyed writing and researching ‘In the Blink of an Eye’ so much, I decided to home in on historical fiction.
What drew you to Robert Louis Stevenson’s love letters as inspiration for your novel ‘The Absent Heart’?
It was great to have so much source material to work with, although also quite a challenge. The published letters of Robert Louis Stevenson fill eight volumes. Luckily those that interested me were mainly in Volumes 1 and 2! I was particularly interested in how the letters came to be published – some of them only recently – and also in the fact that Frances’s letters back were all destroyed, leaving plenty of opportunity for fiction.
Can you share a synopsis of your latest book?
Frances Sitwell, beautiful, intelligent and trapped in an abusive marriage, is grateful for the chaste affection offered by rising literary star Sidney Colvin. They make a perfect couple until the young Robert Louis Stevenson bursts into their lives to captivate them with his wild, mercurial spirit and startlingly original talent. Stevenson falls in love with Frances, and as her feelings for Sidney cool, and Stevenson’s entreaties become irresistible, she encourages him to express his feelings in a series of passionate letters. After Stevenson’s death, these emotional outpourings fall into Sidney’s hands and he accuses her of infidelity. This beguiling account of a triangular relationship unveils the woman who had a profound influence on one of the greatest writers of his age.
How would you describe Mrs Sitwell’s character?
Compared to many heroines, she isn’t a firebrand or a rebel, but she had great reserves of courage and resilience. Like many Victorian women – or women of any age – she suffered great personal tragedy. But I see her trying to tread a path between doing the right thing and getting what she wants, all within the constraints of Victorian society.
What have been some of the highlights of your writing career so far?
I entered one of the chapters of ‘In the Blink of an Eye’ into the Evesham Short Story Competition and had my moment of glory when I was presented with the prize by Prue Leith. Not everyone knows but she is an accomplished novelist, as well as a caterer and bake-off presenter. Otherwise I love how writing historical fiction has allowed me to meet other history enthusiasts or occasionally people connected to my characters.
Where do you take inspiration for your stories?
My recent novels have been inspired by the lives of real people whom I wanted to bring to an audience of fiction readers and to whom I felt a personal connection. Much of ‘In the Blink of an Eye’ takes place in Fife, where I was brought up and went to university. I was drawn to ‘The Absent Heart’ partly because an ancestor of mine knew Robert Louis Stevenson as a student. My short stories are much more likely to be inspired by the oddities of daily life, or interesting places, or anything really!
As a reader, who are some of your favourite authors and books?
For historical fiction, I’m a particular fan of Robert Harris, who has a real gift for bringing history to life. I’ve just been reading ‘Precipice’, another novel about love letters and ‘Conclave’ (now a film) is on my list to read. Having studied Latin at school, I’m also impressed by anyone who can write a great novel about Cicero!
Can you share any writing projects you’re currently working on?
The life of Robert Louis Stevenson is a treasure-trove of colourful characters. I’m thinking of a follow-up novel about his step-daughter Belle Strong, who acted as his secretary and had an ‘interesting’ relationship with her mother, RLS’s wife. Otherwise I’m taking a break and hoping for some good golfing weather!
What tips and/or advice do you have for anyone keen to pick up writing?
Writing can be a very lonely business. I’ve found the most important thing is to find a group of writing friends who can provide constructive criticism, support and encouragement. My writing group, Just Write Bristol, all egg each other on especially through difficult periods. We also have good laughs along the way.
Do you have any reader events coming up?
‘The Absent Heart’ is available from Linen Press or Amazon. Anyone interested is invited to my book launch on April 5th at 3-4.30pm, at Bristol Folk House on Park Street when I’ll be in conversation with Bristol author Mike Manson about ‘The Absent Heart’. I’ll also be talking about historical fiction at Emersons Green Library on June 7 at 2pm with fellow author Jean Burnett.
You can find out more about Ali Bacon’s books or contact her through her website alibacon.com.