Here I am again, talking with Elaine Everest about her latest in The Woolworths series, Celebrations for The Woolworths Girls. So, as I hand her a cup of builders’ tea, let’s find out a little more.

Welcome, Elaine. Help yourself to biscuits.

Hello again, Natalie. It is so nice of you to invite me for tea and a chat.

As far as I’m concerned, this book, despite some harrowing incidents and disturbing social issues, really is a celebration. I’d anticipated that it would take me some time to read – your books are not short – but it’s another un-put-down-able one and I absolutely whizzed through it. I’m certain though that you didn’t whizz through the writing. How long did it take you to write, and can you divide that up into research and actual writing or do they go hand in hand?

Thank you! I did have to remind myself at times that the title included the word ‘celebration!’ I knew I wanted to include certain events that happened during the span of the book as well as relationships between family and friends.  As you know I like to plan my books but these days knowing my characters so well my planning is more a list of what needs to happen both emotionally and historically. I start with a timeline and fill the gap between the date at the start of the book and the day the story ends. Research seems to be continuous for the Woolworths series, but for the process of writing a book I would give myself two months to research and four months to write. At the moment I have a book published every six months so must keep to my publisher’s deadlines. Just to add that while I’m researching one book, I may still be writing another and planning a third so my writing life is not set in stone.

One thing that is always apparent in your books is the attention to detail and the accuracy of your depiction of actual historical events. How important is this aspect to you as a writer or is it something you enjoy on a personal level as well?

As a writer of historical fiction, I’m paranoid about getting facts correct. I also like to use major events in the time period to bring interest to the story. Saying that I’m not one for listing products and bogging down the reader with too much daily detail. I respect my readers for having their own knowledge of the era I’m covering. Now the Woolworths series is in the 1950s many readers were either there (as children) or grew up listening to their family talking about that time.

I was struck by the number of characters taking part. You have a huge cast, but this has built up over the years throughout the series and, as always, it was like meeting old friends. There was no flicking back through the pages to see who was who. I must say, I still have a huge soft spot for Maisie. How do you keep track of them and their lives?

I adore Maisie, in fact she features strongly in the book I’m currently writing for Autumn 2024 and as usual will get herself into a few scrapes.

Although I know I should let a few of my main characters take a back seat in some books I’m aware loyal readers want to know what they are up to and will be messaging me to ask. It is a thin line I tread! Also, we have the younger members of the cast growing older and making an impression in the story. Do they also work at Woolies or somewhere else?

I see you couldn’t resist mentioning Nelson and it took me straight back to the Anderson shelter. I know dogs have always been such a huge part of your life and it’s lovely when you include them in your writing.

My dogs are the reason I became a writer as way back in 1997 I took the decision to concentrate on my writing and stop working for a bunch of bullies – that’s a novel in itself and yes, some memories of that time in my life have been used in my stories. I do change names.

I featured a dog kennels The Patchwork Girls and it was enjoyable to research (and pick my brains) on dogs and breeders during the war years. For fifty years I’ve read books on my favorites breed and known some remarkable people who devote their life to Old English Sheepdogs (other breeds are mentioned) to the point I know the sport. I hope in future to write more about the world of dogs.

Without giving anything away, I was mightily impressed with the way you resolved the ‘housing situation’. I’m assuming this was something that was planned in the very early stages.

Yes, it was, and I’ve always been aware that Sarah dreamed of her house with ‘roses around the door’. Saying that, she still has her problems and worries. I know the houses where many of the characters live so can work out who sleep where and when the ‘outside lavvies’ moved indoors. In Alexandra Road I like to put my characters into houses I knew when I lived there so certain numbers pop up again and again.
The road Maisie moves to towards the end of ‘Celebrations’ is one I still check on Rightmove, but these days they cost an arm and a leg, plus Erith has changed so much it is not the town I knew and loved. Personally, I’d like to move back to number 13, Alexandra Road but during the war years as I know the house survived!

I think ‘Celebrations’ may well be my favorite book so far, but I probably say that every time. However, I know you won’t have been idle since you submitted it to Pan Macmillan. What’s next for us to look forward to.

Thank you, I’m so pleased you enjoyed the story. This book was submitted during 2022 and since then I have written The Teashop Girls at War which takes us back to the Kent coast and the story of the Nippies. It was interesting to write and my research in the SOE brought another interesting angle to the book. Some of the girls had a romping adventure!

Currently I’m finishing another Woolies book for Christmas 2024 and already planning another story. I’ll remain silent on what it is…

It’s been a joy as always. Fancy another cup of tea before you go?

Thank you so much for the delightful chat. I’ve love another cup of tea. Are there any Hobnobs left? Xx

Sorry, no. We seem to have worked our way through the lot!

Links:

Website/blog/newsletter: www.elaineeverest.com

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/ElaineEverestAuthor

Twitter/X: @ElaineEverest

Instagram/Threads: elaine.everest

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1035020602/