Writer Of The Week: Moira Gee

The People's Friend Writer of the Week: Moira Gee

Our Writer Of The Week is Moira Gee. Moira’s story, “The Better Man”, appears in the January 25, 2025 issue.

 

I thought you did a good job balancing the protagonists’ storylines around the poet Robert Burns. Where did the idea originate from for the story?


A combination of factors, really. First of all, I enjoy watching period dramas and films and I read a lot of the old classics.

Secondly, last year, I took one of the Open University’s short courses about the life of Robert Burns.

Thirdly, I went to see an Elvis Presley tribute, which was absolutely brilliant. (He even kissed me!) This got me thinking about meeting our heroes, or knowing someone before they became famous.

As we all know, Rabbie Burns was something of a ladies’ man, so I decided to weave a tale around something that might have happened in his local area.

The idea for this story – or something like it – has been rattling around in my mind for a couple of years now, so I’m really pleased that it’s being published in the “Friend”.

 

Are you a fan of poetry – any favourite poems?


I do like poetry and I’ve learned a lot more about it since I joined a local poetry group.

I think one of my favourite poems is “Jenny Kiss’d Me” by Leigh Hunt. It’s probably the only one I know off by heart.

 

For you, are there any pros and cons when it comes to writing historical fiction over contemporary tales?


I’m ashamed how scant my knowledge of history is, so I have to spend an inordinate amount of time researching dates, timescales and when things were invented. On the plus side, once the story’s finished, it’s immensely satisfying to discover how much I’ve learned.

I think one of my favourite stories I had published in “The People’s Friend” was one which switched from present day to a period in history, with both tales set in the same place.

 

Do you have any writing goals for 2025?


I have the same writing goals every single year – be more disciplined, stick to deadlines, don’t let myself become distracted and finish one project before I start on another.

Maybe 2025 will be the year I keep my resolutions – somehow I suspect not.

Seriously, I would like to do something with some of the children’s stories I’ve written. I sent one in to the 2024 Bath Children’s Novel Award, but unfortunately it wasn’t successful. I’m telling myself that I’m not too downhearted about it.

 

Notebook and pencil or laptop? Kitchen table or study? Blank wall or inspiring view?


I always have a notebook with me, just in case, and my favourite places to sit and write outside are on a beach or in a garden.

At home, I keep my laptop in an antique bureau in my bedroom. It’s my own tiny office in the corner of the room. On a good day, I light a scented candle, listen to Mozart and immerse myself in my stories.

My main downfall on days like these is neglecting to take sufficient breaks. I’m as stiff as a board when I eventually try to stand up again. On the upside, it means I’ve done a lot of work and I’m happy with it. The tell-tale sign is when there’s a mug of freezing cold tea sitting at my elbow.

The beauty of using a bureau is being able to shut everything away inside it when I’m finished. It’s like locking the office door at the end of the day.

 

What’s your one top tip for aspiring writers?


Turn off your mobile!

 

Thanks Moira, it’s been lovely chatting with you! 

 

You can buy issues of “The People’s Friend” on Mags Direct, in newsagents and supermarkets every Wednesday, or by money-saving subscription.

If you enjoy fiction, don’t miss our stories and serials online, too.

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