I’m inspired by places, which must be why I love travelling so much. And I love listening to people’s stories, trying to understand what they dream about, what makes them tick; wondering what our lives would be like if I’d been born in their place and they'd been born in mine.
Lily Hyde is a British writer who has been living and travelling around Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union for over ten years. As well as writing fiction for children and young adults, she has worked extensively as a journalist covering many cultural, social and human rights issues. Lily also works as a consultant in public health and HIV/AIDS.
Here are the answers to some questions I get asked a lot about me and my writing:
How long does it take you to write a book?
It depends on the book, but in general I’m a very slow writer. The quickest of my novels to write so far has been Dream Land, which took about a year to complete the first draft.
Which is your favourite of the books you’ve written?
One that hasn’t been published yet (it's due out in 2010). It’s also about Masha, the main character in Riding Icarus. I’m not sure it’s the best book I’ve written, but it’s probably the closest to my heart.
Are you famous?
Well, you’ve heard of me, haven’t you?
Are you working on a book now?
Yes. I don’t want to say what it’s about, but my research for it includes going to the ballet, being harangued by Socialist Workers, practicing handstands and reading Dostoyevsky.
Who does the covers of your books?
My publisher chooses the illustrators, but so far I really love all my covers. I get to see a draft version and have an opportunity to say whether or not I like it. In the case of Riding Icarus I wanted a few things changed, and as a result the cover’s now green instead of blue, and some of the details are closer to how they are in the book itself.
What would be your advice to budding writers?
Have faith in yourself. If you don’t believe in or are not really interested in what you’re writing, then for sure no one else will be. Write because you enjoy it, but remember that if you want to write well, you have to be prepared to work hard at it. And when you’re not writing, read!
Why are you obsessed with trolleybuses?
I am not obsessed with trolleybuses! Oh, alright, I am… a bit. Because they’re (relatively) ecologically friendly. Because they squeak. Because I once got offered a lift home in the driver’s cabin of one when I was stuck out after midnight in Kiev. And because they have the greatest name that makes you want to sing it to the tune of the Lollipop song.
