Laura
asked
Katherine Webb:
Hi Ms. Webb! I'm curious about how you research your books? There are so many descriptive sections that really immerse you in the landscape and culture. Have you traveled extensively to the regions mentioned in your novels?
Katherine Webb
Hi Laura, thank you for your question. I think creating a vivid setting is crucial to the atmosphere of a story, so I really focus on doing exactly that - and I'm glad you find the books immersive! That's exactly what I'm after.
Wherever I can, I travel to the places I'm writing about . The exception was when I wrote The Legacy - I have never been to Oklahoma, and I couldn't afford to make such a long trip for research. I had been to Montana and Wyoming, so I had an idea of the vastness and beauty of those rural states of America. I added to that by reading as much as I could about life there at the time I was writing, and this is also what I do for all my books. First hand accounts are best, and books written at the time I'm setting a story also give useful pointers about vocabulary and turns of phrase at use in the era. Fiction written at the time is also useful. But nothing beats actually visiting a place for then being able to recreate in writing its sights, smells, sounds and life.
For my next book, I'm currently reading everything I can find about the history of Oman, particularly the history of British involvement there, and I'll be travelling out there in a few weeks' time...
Best wishes, KW x
Wherever I can, I travel to the places I'm writing about . The exception was when I wrote The Legacy - I have never been to Oklahoma, and I couldn't afford to make such a long trip for research. I had been to Montana and Wyoming, so I had an idea of the vastness and beauty of those rural states of America. I added to that by reading as much as I could about life there at the time I was writing, and this is also what I do for all my books. First hand accounts are best, and books written at the time I'm setting a story also give useful pointers about vocabulary and turns of phrase at use in the era. Fiction written at the time is also useful. But nothing beats actually visiting a place for then being able to recreate in writing its sights, smells, sounds and life.
For my next book, I'm currently reading everything I can find about the history of Oman, particularly the history of British involvement there, and I'll be travelling out there in a few weeks' time...
Best wishes, KW x
More Answered Questions
Kat - TheDevourerOfTales
asked
Katherine Webb:
Hello Katherine, I've chosen you as the author for my first university presentation as your books have influenced my own writing a great deal. I was wondering if you could possibly tell me anything about your influences and creative process? Thank you very much, I look forward to your future work.
Mary Day
asked
Katherine Webb:
That is really helpful. It confirms my experience. I often think ENSA should be represented in the Cenotaph march-past. My mother, and almost certainly your grandmother were presented with the Africa Star. My mother got the ribbon bit in the post (I think I still have it somewhere) and didn't bother going to the ceremony for the metal bit that went with it. Thank you. No need to get back. Required ?
Mary Day
asked
Katherine Webb:
Hello Katherine, I read your story about your grandparents in the Guardian of March 19th. I was born in Cairo in 1943 and my mother was in ENSA both before and after my birth (my father was a padre). I wonder if, in your researches, you have come across any information about ENSA? It is a while since I tried to find some but it was thin on the ground. I'm not expecting anything but nothing ventured.... Thank you.
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