On Writing with L. J. Alsop
A conversation with the local author of "The House of Florence" on how, and why, she writes
In our recent podcast episode, we spoke with “seasoned” local writer David Hendy on how he writes engaging, non-fiction cultural works.
In this interview we speak to newly published local author, Linda Alsop, to explore her motivation and process behind her first novel for children, “The House of Florence”.
Eastbourne Literary Festival (ELF): Hi and welcome to the Eastbourne Literary Festival newsletter! Can we start with what brought you to writing in the first place?
L.J. Alsop: My first introduction to writing would have been at school. On several occasions when I had to write either an essay or a report, things like that, it was often commented that I had a nice way of writing and added warmth to the stories.
I was from a big family and self-expression or individuality, were not really something that was promoted. But I liked writing stories when I was younger and over the years I think that my storytelling became experimental and, more and more, I liked the responses that I received.
I used to tell stories to my children, especially when it came to teaching them about ethics, integrity and responsibility and I wanted to pass these lessons on to my grandchildren. I thought that having them published in a book would be a nice way for them to keep these stories.
Then my daughter-in-law sent me a little book and it changed things. It was a notebook and it was a promo for the film “Water for Elephants”. I already had grandchildren by then and so I started writing short stories to make a book for them.
Now that original idea has been extended and I’m writing for children everywhere.
ELF: What are you reading right now?
L.J. Alsop: Strangely enough the book that I'm reading right now is the Nordic Secret recommended by yourself from the understanding that this was the book that inspired you to do the Eastbourne Book Festival for 2026. I wanted to experience what you experienced when you read the story.
ELF: If you had to read any book again, perhaps more than once, what one would it be and why?
L.J. Alsop: I like reading books with morals and solutions so the first answer that comes to mind is ‘Of Mice and Men’ by John Steinbeck. But I also regularly read ‘An Inspector calls’ by J.B. Priestley.
Both books are great for teaching. They’re great for understanding social responsibility and how we should treat people, and taking responsibility for our own actions.
ELF: If you had to recommend one book to someone, which one would it be and why?
L.J. Alsop: I think it would be “Inner Engineering “by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev.
I've bought this book for many people; I've even handed over my copy in a coffee shop. Sadhguru refers to the concept of personal transformation and inner development through practises like yoga and meditation, where the idea is to engineer your inner self for a more balanced and fulfilling life. Essentially engineering yourself, with the guidance of a spiritual teacher.
ELF: How did your writing begin, how did you come to write your type of book?
L.J. Alsop: I think I've already mentioned that it was about sharing stories with moral and ethical guidance for children, but I've also written a novel. That novel is yet to be shown to a publisher, but it also strangely enough contains two families and lots of children.
I don't really think about writing. I just get the paper, pick up a pen and start writing. It feels like the words just flow through me
ELF: What is it like working with your publisher?
L.J. Alsop: Since this is my first experience with having a book published, I found it incredibly strange that we only ever communicate through e-mail. I've never met anybody that has read my book or who is involved in the process of creating my book.
I have had to have faith in the publisher — that they will bring about the best for my book.
I didn’t even get to discuss my illustrations really. I send in an e-mail answering some questions and then they send you the illustrations. Then you guide them as to whether you like them or not. Personally, I would like to have been able to speak or have a conversation discussing the illustrations before they were designed.
I didn't like my first set of illustrations, they were too animated, they looked more like little animals, and I needed to guide things towards what you will now find in the book now.
I feel that if we'd had time together, even if it was over zoom or Skype or any other video call, I could have saved all that trouble and explained my feelings about the characters.
ELF: What does your writing process look like?
L.J. Alsop: I write everything by hand. I don't make any plans. I just sit with pen and paper, choose a title and get writing.
Then I have to transcribe. I actually dictate it to my laptop and then I'm responsible for the editing. My characters just appear as I write each story, the characters emerging from how I want all children to be visible, to be seen and to be heard.
ELF: How important is your writing process to you?
L.J. Alsop: I'm just happy that I can write without having to do too much research or spend too much time thinking. My writing comes from within, I just love to tell stories.
ELF: Among many other defences of children's stories, CS Lewis wrote “when I became a man, I put away childish things including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up.” What's your take?
L.J. Alsop: My take is that it is OK to be anything you want to be, believe in anything that you want to believe in that doesn't harm another person. If you can keep that inner child alive, you'll always be happy doing whatever you choose to do.
ELF: As well as writing, what is your day job and how does writing work within it?
L.J. Alsop: Working as a private teacher/tutor, and teaching English, Math, Study Technology and English as a second language, I get to hear many stories. I also have the opportunity to keep telling stories.
I can incorporate all my views and ideas and opinions and share them and learn from my students regardless of the age group that I'm teaching at the time. I think that working from home means that I can be at home to write whenever the desire pops up.
ELF: When you were approached about the Eastbourne literary festival ( ELF) what was your first reaction?
L.J. Alsop: Well, my first reaction was, “Oh! Well now! How important am I?”
I also felt like this is going well and this is going very fast. I know after having chatted to yourself and the team I’ve become very excited about being part of it, being able to talk to other authors. I think it's a great idea and I think that books should be alive and they should still be considered the number one way of communicating your stories or information.
ELF: The ELF slogan is, You CAN write!” how does that speak to you if at all?
L.J. Alsop: I like the slogan. I think that if somebody out there has always wanted to write and, for some reason, they've just never done it then it's a good inspiring slogan. It might even hit a button for those that have never thought about writing.
Have you ever thought about writing your story? Maybe the story of the festival itself?
ELF: Ah, a story we might come to hopefully in time! How do you find time for reading?
L.J. Alsop: When I'm reading a good book it goes everywhere with me. It goes to the bed with me, takes a bath with me, everywhere. I will read between meals or read between lessons — I will just keep picking up the book. People think I'm a fast reader, but actually I'm not. It's just that when I pick up a book I don't put it down until it's finished.
ELF: What are you looking forward to reading in 2025?
L.J. Alsop: In 2025 I want ‘Austin McAuley” to prove to me that they are the publishers that they put across that they are. That they will get my book out there to as many kids in as many countries and to as many parents and anybody that can use my short stories to help with many of the situations that we face daily.
My second batch of 21 stories are ready but my novel feels like it's never ending. I always have more and more and more to add but by the end of this year I want everything to be in the process of reaching the readers that need to hear my words.
ELF: What would you like to have said to a 16-year-old you that you really needed to hear back then?
L.J. Alsop: If I was 16 again or I had to have a chat with my 16-year-old self I would SAY learn to say NO more often, and maybe say something stronger when No is not enough!
Apart from that I wouldn't change anything because this is my life story, this is my journey. I’ve put it on hold many times for many reasons and I’ve learnt lots had more than my fair share of trauma and harsh lessons. I have learnt from all of them.
I’m here to write more stories.
ELF: Thank you so much for answering our questions! Linda’s book, “The House of Florence” is available to buy now and is released on Friday 21st February, 2025!