This month we are welcoming Nell Carter into the author spotlight. Nell Carter’s On The Bright Side is a gorgeously emotional and feel-good story about love, it also has a thought-provoking edge that makes it rather special. She has the ability to look at life, the proper ups and downs of life, yet leave you feeling as though she’s given you a huge hug by the end.

Nell Carter lives in the South-East with her husband. Their grown-up daughters have flown the coop but, like boomerangs, keep coming home – nowadays with their other halves and their own gorgeous offspring. From a much larger family herself, Nell likes to write about real people - the dust and dirt that layer their relationships, the light and shade that make them laugh and cry.

A great believer in re-inventing herself, Nell’s had a few ‘careers’; the longest to date being in property but writing novels was always her heart’s desire. Nowadays, there’s not a twenty-four-hour period goes by where she doesn’t pinch herself that she’s managed that particular re-invention. Aside from reading and writing, she loves cooking and cinema-trips and really, really, cold white wine. She has recently taken up archery, which she absolutely loves but doesn’t see a shift towards the Olympics in her future. Though, you never know…?

Where I love to turn or create the pages…

My favourite reading place is in this egg-chair in the garden - a present from my husband during lockdown. If the weather is warm, curling up there, with just a gentle breeze, is just the best place to lose myself in a book. 

Unlike when I’m reading, I can’t get too comfortable when I’m writing! I have to be really disciplined, otherwise, my mind wanders, and my office, perched on the chair at my desk is where I’m most effective from. I do really envy people who can work on their laptops in bed, but I’d just fall asleep, and nothing would get done! Nor am I a person who can work outdoors or in cafes. I need silence, familiarity and to be sitting upright before the creative juices flow.

The shelf of knowledge…

I’ve often got my head in one of my ‘writing’ books. Time and time again, I return to one or some of this stash of books for inspiration. My favourite is “The Emotional Craft of Fiction” by Donald Maas. Being a half and half ‘plotter-come-pantser’, these books can help if I write myself into a ‘pantsing’ corner.

I’m not really a re-reader, i.e. I’m not someone who might re-read a novel a few times. (Exceptions are Wuthering Heights and One Day. I like tortured male characters!) Generally, once I read a book, it goes on a shelf, to admire for perpetuity, but these are books I go back to regularly. 

Esme reads Isadora…

This is the last book in a series to be read by my seven-year-old granddaughter. During lockdown I introduced her to them and now she’s read all of them. As a child myself, I remember realising that books meant the introduction of different worlds and being part of this again for another generation fills me with joy?

“Oh, I do Like to be beside the…”

I adore being anywhere near the sea. I’ve really missed it during ‘20/’21 because it’s where I most easily fill my creative well. It’s everything about it – the visual scene, the sounds and scents. Whether it’s a dull day by English shores, or a sunnier blue sky and turquoise sea - being near the ocean fills me up. This first photo is a picture of St Ives, where I’ve gone specifically to write, a few times. I love it there. Look at that sky laden with all sorts of threats! The second is of a view from a favourite cafe in Spain. Many times, I’ve sat there with a notebook, writing character notes… listening to the sound of the water rinsing the stones. I’m planning trips soon, to both places, to breathe in that inspirational, briny, air.

That book, that cover, those words…

‘One Day’ by David Nicholls is one of my favourite contemporary novels. I have two copies - one earlier, well-thumbed, much-loved plus this more recent signed copy. I loved the story of Emma and Dexter and think it’s a perfect example of a love story layered with many missed opportunities and highs and lows. And actually, it also remains one of my favourite cover designs for a contemporary novel. Considering it’s from over a decade ago, I think it was probably quite brave back then and I remember just wanting to pick it up straight away.

I can’t be without…

Crisps and Diet Coke when I’m working. I know, I know, neither are from ideal food groups. I’m an absolute fiend for crisps and can’t read or write without a DC nearby – it’s my caffeine! I must, must step away from the crisps though ☹ My 2021 girth is really not happy!

Regatta’s sails…

This is a picture painted by my late mother for me for my fortieth birthday and holds a special place in my heart. My Mum always painted scenic watercolours but when I told her I’d love something different, this is what she gave me. I adore this picture. It’s hanging in my office and inspires me every day. It’s called ‘Regatta’ and it’s the only time she ever painted an abstract painting in this medium. Daily, it speaks to me of the sea and it’s moods, and life and it’s speed and vibrancy. I think Mum was the reason I subscribe so powerfully to the idea that it’s never too late to reinvent ourselves.

When Brevity counts...

This is a poem by the late Irish poet Derek Mahon. I’ve read it both silently and aloud many times, particularly over this last year. As a novelist, I’m in awe of writers who can tell a story laden with pain and hope in so few words. It’s an art and one that always amazes me.