A Conversation with Carol Margaret Tetlow
Author of "Out of Practice"
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| Featured Author Carol Margaret Tetlow |
When did you first start writing, and when did you finish your first book?
I wrote my very first novel when I was fourteen- a story about children and their ponies. When I went to medical school and first started out as a doctor, it was virtually impossible to find enough time to write, so it was not until 2007 when I started to write seriously and this novel, Out of Practice, took me about a year to complete.
From where do you get your ideas?
From work, largely. I love people. Being a family doctor gives me a unique insight into many different aspects of human nature. Every day I meet a wide range of individuals, families and personalities and other people’s lives never cease to amaze and intrigue me.
What was your favorite chapter to write and why?
When I started to write Out of Practice, I was quite sure that I had the plot mapped out to the end. Around about a third of the way through, the characters had developed in a way I had not expected and it became clear that what I had planned for them was not what should happen. Thus my favourite chapters would be in the middle third, where my characters took over and wrote the book themselves.
What project are you working on now?
Out of Practice is the first in a series of four novels, all based in the same family practice. The protagonist in each is a different doctor. While I have since written two stand alone novels, I’m now re-visiting the original series and planning the fifth novel.
What is the message behind your stories?
I want to write a good story, full of unexpected twists and characters who evoke a multitude of emotions. Stories that readers can become immersed in.
Do you ever experience writer's block, and how do you overcome it?
Yes, of course. Sometimes it can be overcome by a long walk with the dogs, other times I find it’s best to leave writing completely for a few days and then come back, full of fresh ideas.
Do you see writing as a career?
When I started out I didn’t. Now that I’m spending less time working as a doctor, I would love to embark on a new career of writing. I’m a very focussed individual who relishes a challenge. Who said that dreams can’t come true?
How did you find your current publisher, and what experience do you get from that?
For the cynics who do not believe in miracles, think again. I put my series of four novels on a webiste called PublishersDesk.com, a platform for showing your work to many publishers and literary agents, world wide. I cannot express my gratitude to Guy Boulianne and Editions Dedicaces for finding me and giving me this opportunity.
What books have most influenced your life?
As a child, I was always encouraged to read. With a demanding job, I like to be able to escape from work pressures so I love books that transport me somewhere different. My favourite authors are EF Benson (particularly the Mapp and Lucia series), Simon Brett, Peter Lovesey, Jane Green to name but a few.
What advice would you give to aspiring writer?
This is easy and I make no apologies for repeating what many will have said before. Firstly, write about something you know. Secondly, never, ever give up. Believe in yourself and your book and keep trying.
Book Description
Clare Jennings is a popular, hardworking general practitioner. A perfectionist, she puts her patients and work above all else, including her psychiatrist husband, David.
The arrival of Sam Curtis, a young doctor whose training Clare is responsible for adds to her already enormous workload and as they grow closer, Clare finds that her life, both professional and private is beginning to fall apart. Arguments at home, bad clinical judgements, complaints and betrayal compound Clare's guilt and feeling of worthlessness as she spirals deeper and deeper into depression.
Will she be saved before it is too late?
About the Author:
Carol Margaret Tetlow is a general practitioner in North Yorkshire, England. She have been writing seriously in her spare time for about 8 years now, taking her ideas from the diverse selection of people and situations that she come across at work. Out of Practice is the first in a series of four novels, all based around the same characters, the protagonist in each being one of the doctors.
Carol Margaret Tetlow live in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales with eleven donkeys, one pony, two dogs, two cats but just the one husband.
For More Info:
Author Page | Facebook |
Buy the Book
Biblio UK | Publisher Website (Editions Dedicaces)
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