Get ready to learn more about the book The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) of Clara Wild in this discussion with sapphic author Natasha West.
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz Natasha West about The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) of Clara Wild, writing, reading, and more.
This book is part of the Slow Burn category in the 2024 IHS Reading Challenge.
Why did you write The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) of Clara Wild?
I wrote this book because I wanted to talk about the ways in which the entertainment industry’s attitude to queer performers has changed a lot in the last twenty years, and the ways in which it hasn’t at all. It’s a book about trying to be an authentic person in a world in which even human beings are commodified.
Who is your favorite character in the book?
I identify with Clara the most as she’s something of a hermit, as well as being a creative who comes from a very non-creative family of people with accents that are hard to take seriously.
What inspired the idea for The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) of Clara Wild?
There are many actors who had great roles early in their careers and who seemed destined for sucess, only to vanish. This book is me wanting to give them what they deserved.
What was the biggest challenge writing this book?
The book is based entirely in LA, and as a Brit, I needed to be very careful about getting Clara’s American voice right. I’m lucky to have an American editor who was able to pick up anything that that didn’t fit.
What part of The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) of Clara Wild was the most fun to write?
Writing the Wild family’s ‘visit’ to Clara’s house was a good time, with a lot of opportunities for comedy. Big group scenes can be trick to balance, but having so many different voices in a room tends to throw up surprises, even for the writer. The chaos of it was fun.
What is your favorite line from your book?
Life had been so simple when she’d been a reclusive, closeted has-been.
What is your writing process like?
Very much a pantser. I like to be surprised as much as the reader.
If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?
I’d love to get a coffee with Dorothy Parker. Though I suspect she’d make hers Irish.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing, and by whom?
Just write. Don’t worry about getting the first draft perfect. Get some words down, that’s all. You can be as precious as you like in the edit.
What do you do to get inside your character’s heads?
I put a little bit of me in every character.
What books did you grow up reading?
I loved reading the Adrian Mole books as a kid. I think they shaped my sense of humour.
Describe your favorite reading spot.
A deep chair, in dim light, warm beverage to hand.
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