Write On! interviews author Geraldine Stevens

Geraldine Stevens was born and grew up in Essex, but has lived most of her life abroad. Eager to see something of the world, at the age of 18 she moved to Germany, where she took a degree at Hamburg University. She continued her teaching career in Italy. A love of storytelling and a creative writing course spurred her to put pen to paper and write her first novel, A Tarnished Life, a family saga spanning several decades. Geraldine has three grown-up sons and now lives in Sardinia with her Italian husband and is an Honorary Member of Trinity College London.

WO: How would you describe your writing to someone new to it?

GS: I would say my writing reflects my fascination with people and interpersonal relationships. It’s amazing just how many people we meet in life. Some are close to us and play an important role, some are marginal and others no more than fleeting acquaintances. All of them have a story to tell and, if you keep an open mind and are prepared to listen, every exchange is an enriching experience. In this respect, I consider myself more fortunate than many because, throughout my working life, I’ve made contact with people from all walks of life and many different countries. I can honestly say that, in my work, there’s a little something of everybody I’ve had the good fortune to meet and I’m grateful to them for that.

WO: Can you tell us a bit about A Tarnished Life?

GS: A Tarnished Life is a powerful family saga spanning decades, exploring the depths of human resilience and the devastating impact of unfulfilled dreams. Emma, once a beacon of beauty and potential, is now an alcoholic close to death and clings to memories of happier times with loved ones. She’s also haunted by a series of failed relationships.

The narrative takes you from Emma’s childhood in war-ravaged London, through periods of affluence and happiness where she dreams of creating her own family. However, her hopes are dashed as her marriage crumbles. In her darkest hours, she forms a poignant connection with a Scottish couple, also marred by a tragic past.

Unable to overcome the weight of her disappointments and broken dreams, Emma’s life spirals into self-destruction and, despite the unwavering love of a man who sacrificed everything for her, she finds herself trapped in a prison of her own making.

WO: What inspired you to write in the first place, and what inspires you now?

GS: I’ve always been an avid reader and often thought about trying my hand at writing. I developed a love of storytelling while working as a member of the academic team with Trinity College London in Italy. One of Trinity’s many initiatives was online storytelling for teachers of English. Then, during the Covid lockdown, I followed a short, intensive online course on creative writing and this gave me the confidence I needed to put pen to paper. Writing proved to be such a rewarding experience that I became hooked. I’m now working on my second novel.

WO: Recently, Write On! explored the theme of ‘Difference.’ Writers have the potential to shape perceptions and influence how differences are understood and appreciated. Do you have a favourite example of a book that has inspired you to look at the world with new eyes, or even an example of how you have tried to build bridges through your own writing?

GS: Generally speaking, I think science fiction is a genre that forces people to look at the world with new eyes by predicting what is in store for us. An example of where technology might lead us is Klara And The Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro.

However, I recently read, in Italian, a book entitled Sotto il Segno della Differenza – literal translation Under The Sign Of Difference – by Sardinian author, Mario Corona. It’s a poignant account of a man coming to terms with abuse as a child, his sexuality and alcohol abuse that forced me to reflect on particular aspects of society and prejudice.

On a personal level, much of my first novel is set in places where I grew up and, having lived most of my life abroad, writing it helped me rediscover the person I once was; although this was completely unintentional.

WO: What one piece of advice would you give an aspiring writer?

GS: Be prepared to keep going back to the drawing board and don’t give up!

WO: Question from Instagram user: @madeleinefwhite What have you found the most difficult part in getting your book out there?

GS: I never thought I would get my book published but that happened very quickly. What I have found, and am still finding extremely difficult as a first-time author, is trying to promote the book.

WO: Can you tell us anything about future projects?

GS: I’m working on a second novel in which a young man has to come to terms with the psychological impact of losing a limb in a road accident. It explores the importance of unconditional friendship and shared experience in overcoming the trauma. I also have half an idea to try my hand at crime fiction, but that won’t be in the immediate future.

WO: Lastly, if you could choose one fictional animal/creature to be a pet or companion, who would it be and why?

GS: Black Beauty – perhaps not a very original choice but horses are magnificent creatures and having owned some – but never a black one – I relish the sense of total freedom galloping through the countryside can bring.

You can find out more about Geraldine Stevens here at her website geraldinestevens.ampbk.com  and connect with her on Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560517715918.

A Tarnished Life is available to buy from Amazon and directly from Austin Macauley

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Issue 24, featuring John Marrs, is out now. You will find it in libraries and other outlets. Alternatively, all current and previous editions can be found on our magazines page here. 

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