Interview with Toni James - Author of The Lost Resort
I've been fortunate enough to get the chance to interview the writer of lesbian indie fiction, The Lost Resort. Here's what she has to say about her writing, indie publishing and queer fiction.
1. Tell us a little about The Lost Resort.
I started writing The Lost Resort about five years ago. It's a fairly straightforward tale about a woman who, having found her partner is cheating, decides to sell up and go travelling in Greece with her sister. Whilst there, she discovers The Lost Resort- an abandoned, hotel, hidden away in a forest on the island of Lesvos. She is fascinated with the place and decides to buy and renovate it. There are lots of other elements to the story and a supporting cast of colourful characters, whose experiences intersect along the way.
The idea was ultimately inspired by a friend, who had just experienced a horrible break up. I was thinking a lot about her predicament and the idea grew from there really. I'm interested in the way that people respond to adversity in their lives and I think that was the driving force behind the book. All the characters are fictional, but I hope their experiences will resonate with people.
2. What was your inspiration for the book? Have you been to Lesvos?
I have been to Lesvos on a number of occasions. It's a gorgeous island; very traditional and abundant with natural beauty. The people are wonderful, the climate is great and of course, its a perfect holiday destination for gay women, who just want to be themselves, without attracting unwanted attention. The first time I visited, I was twenty-two, fresh from uni and, as you can imagine, I had a blast. I remember returning to the airport and thinking to myself how great it would be to open a hotel for women on the island. So I guess even then, I was thinking about the book.
3. What are your views on LGBT fiction as a genre?
There is undoubtedly some quality material out there, but unfortunately, as with publishing generally, a lot of talent is being overlooked or disregarded by the big publishing houses, because it isn't mainstream or sufficently marketable for them to invest. That's less of a problem in the states I think, where there is naturally a bigger audience - but in the UK it's hard to make an impact with LGBT ficiton. Of course, it's not true in all cases and you have to take your hat off to Virago - who just keep churning out quality material - even though it might not at first seem like it would reach a massive audience. When we started Freya Publications, we had a dream of really raising the profile of women writers who weren't getting enough exposure and giving new and up and coming writers a chance. It was never intended to be a vehicle for my own work - the plan was always to reach out to as many LGBT writers as possible and ask for submissions, so we could eventually challenge some of the big US publishing houses, who seem to pretty much corner the LGBT market. I think in the UK we have our own voice and I would love to play my part in helping a wider audience hear it.
4. How easy is it to market a lesbian indie book? Are most of your readers gay women?
I think in some ways marketing a lesbian indie book is easier - because there are some very clearly defined pathways to reach your audience (you know - blogs, lesbian magazines, websites etc). I also think that women probably on average buy more books and that is bound to help. Also, romance is the most popular genre by a long way and that also makes marketing easier. I would have to guess that most of my readers are gay women, but who knows!
5. What is your favourite indie book?
That's tough. Can I have a think about it and get back to you.
6. What are you working on now?
I've just finished the final proofs of my new novel The Thunderstone. This is a bit of a departure from The Lost Resort. It's not a lesbian book. It's a horror for young adults, set in present day Lancashire, exploring the legend of the Pendle Witches. That's published by Brentwood Press - a small independent publishing house, based in the North-West and should be avilable to buy any day now. Aside from that, I'm trying desparately to finish my new lesbian romance - Crossing the Line. I'm hopeful of a spring release for that one. Crossing the Line is about Rachel Ryder, an elite runner, who is training for the British mountain Championships. Whilst racing she has a fall and, most inconveniently, finds herself wildly attracted to the doctor who treats her. I can't possibly tell you any more, as it would spoil the story. You'll have to buy a copy to find out what happens! Crossing the Line has a strong emphasis on comedy- but it is also a love story and I think it will appeal to those people who bought and enjoyed The Lost Resort.
7. Anything else you would like to add?
...just to plead with all the aspiring lgbt writers out there to send your ideas and material to Freya Publications. We've already had some great submissions, but I simply can't believe that there aren't more gay/bi women with something to say! Come on girls! Get writing and send your work to www.freyapublications.com!
+
