Courttia Newland Interview

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WriteWords talks to novelist and short story writer Courttia Newland, who also edits anthologies of black British writing

Tell us something about your background.

The Scholar, Society Within, Snakeskin, The Dying Wish. My New Collection of short stories Music for the Off Key is published on 1st august this year. I am
working on a new novel, Minx but I’d like to keep the storyline secret for now!

I tutor a lot for the Brit Council but I’m not at the moment. I have edited an anthology of black British writing called IC 3, and co-edited two short story
collections – Tell Tales 1 and 2.

How did you start writing?

I just started! I was poor and bored, so I wrote to give myself something to do! I also wanted to raise money for a music studio. I was 21 so it was just over 10 years ago.

Who are your favourite writers and why?

My favourite writers are too many to mention! Some personal faves are Chester Himes, Walter Mosely, Langston Hughes, Colson Whitehead, Iain Banks, Roald
Dahl, Rupert Thomson, Susan Perabo, Maya Angelou, Rosa Guy, Ann Petry.

How did you get your first agent/ commission?

I had a mentor, who introduced me to an agent’s assistant at William Morris. She passed the book on and I’m still with WM now. They got me my first deal
with Abacus.

What's the worst thing about writing?

The money.

And the best?

Freedom

Tell us what kind of response you get from

Generally my audience treat me well! I try not to be influenced by what they feel too much, as one audience/reader can differ so greatly from another, to
change my work according to their whims would drive me crazy!

What was your breakthrough moment?

I try to have at least one personal breakthrough moment in every day.

A longer version of this interview is available to WriteWords Full and Community Members.
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Comments by other Members

anisoara at 15:59 on 04 August 2006 Report this post

Write, write, write. Build your creative side like a muscle and you can’t help but reap the rewards.

I like that thinking.

Plus the way you write wherever you are with your laptop -- a good combination of freedom and habit.

Thanks for the interview.

Ani

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Prospero at 10:34 on 14 August 2006 Report this post

Write, write, write. Build your creative side like a muscle and you can’t help but reap the rewards.

Yep. I can relate to that. I can remember the first time I read 'You want to be a writer? Well, what the **** are you doing reading this book?'

Now I have two pieces of great advice.

Thanks

Prospero

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