A BSB Interview with Radclyffe

What made you decide to become a fiction writer?

There were many reasons, but starting when I was very young, I wanted to write stories with female characters who were able to do things that women were not conventionally seen as doing--being in charge; leading exciting, independent lives; loving other women .

What type of stories do you write? And why?

My novels fall into the categories of traditional romances and romantic intrigue. I enjoy exploring relationship dynamics because I think our interactions with others, especially those we love, impact every aspect of our lives in critical ways.

What do your family/friends think about your writing?

My friends have always been supportive, long before I ever considered publishing my work. My family was surprised when I left medicine to pursue writing and publishing full time, but they're very excited as to how it all works.

Where do you get your ideas?

From everywhere—stories I've heard, stories I've read, films I've seen—anywhere that an interaction between two people piques my interest. Frequently, current events form a basis for some of the intrigue works.

How do you write; do you plan everything out or just write?

I do not plan everything out, although I have a general sense of what the story will be about before I start writing. I often have an image of a few critical scenes, but I don't write them until I get to that point in the novel. I write linearly from page one until the end. 

What makes When Dreams Tremble special to you?

This novel is set in the area where I grew up, in fact exactly where I spent my last summer working before leaving to go to college. I was inspired to write it upon moving back to the area and visiting some of those places and reflecting on the circular patterns of life. This book is very much about the impact the past has on the present, in both positive and negative ways.

How much of yourself and the people you know are in your characters?

I think there are parts of myself in every character, although it is not intentional. If the people I know show up as characters, it is completely subconscious. I do not set out to pattern characters after people I know.

Which lesbian authors inspired you the most? Do you have a favorite of this author(s)?

My inspiration came from the very fact that there were lesbians writing about our lives—the stories they told provided affirmation and validation and continue to do so, even today. I have far too many "favorites" to name and am adding more to the list every day as new writers emerge.

Do you have any suggestions for new writers?

Start with a story worth telling. If it's an "old story," tell it in a new way; if it's a new story, don't neglect the age-old themes that challenge us even today. Finally, work on craft—because even a great story needs to be told well.

When you're not writing what do you do for fun?

I read. It's always been my number-one favorite pastime.

What is your favorite among the books/stories you’ve written? Why?

I honestly don't have one.