I aim to write “page turners’ – even though that has become an abusive term these days.’

Those who have read Judith Lennox’s books will know how successfully she has achieved her aim. Not only is she a best selling author in Britain but also abroad for she has sold two million books, mostly in Germany where All My Sisters got to number two in the paperback best selling charts.

‘They often change the titles (Before the Storm became Das Haus in Den Wolken) and in translation the books become considerably longer but that doesn’t seem to be a problem.’ Her books have also been translated into Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, Dutch, French, Italian – the list goes on. ‘I had no idea I would do well in translation, but I do get lots of nice letters from fans all over.’

What kind of books does Judith write? ‘I write what I like to read. It pleases me and I hope it pleases others.’ There can be no doubt her writing does please others for she has been short listed three times for the RNA’s Romantic Novel of the Year Award with Winter House, A Step in the Dark and this year with Before the Storm.

‘It’s great to be short listed because the books are chosen by readers, the people you are trying to get to, even though ultimately it is the judges’ choice.’

Judith’s books cover a big canvas with lots of characters. ‘All my books are long because I like reading long novels. You get completely immersed in the characters; they can take you to another place, another time, another world – involvement with characters is the great pleasure of reading. They help to draw you in.’ The settings vary but there is usually a strong historical background which ‘makes it more real’. ‘I only incorporate real historical characters if have to; mostly I develop my own. I’m interested in what happens to ordinary people.’ 

Her first book Reynardine, which appeared in 1989, is historical. It was set in the 17th century and was followed by three more of the same period. Since then she has switched to more contemporary novels encompassing mostly the first half of the 20th century.

Place is also important to Judith and an early childhood home was her initial inspiration. ‘The real root of my writing was the ten years of my childhood spent living in an isolated area with no neighbours. I played imaginative games with my two brothers and sister – although thinking back maybe they didn’t want to! Practically, it was a difficult place to live, but it was magical and that has stayed with me.’ She likes writing about Wiltshire and Hampshire where she grew up and about Devon and Cornwall where she holidayed as a child, but parts of her books are also set abroad. Her latest book The Heart of the Night is set partly in England and partly in what used to be East Prussia and is now part of Poland, around the time of World War II.

Inspiration for a novel might also come from an interesting scenario setting off the sequence of ‘what if’ questions and possible consequences; or from reading history books ‘which can sometimes be as exciting as novels.’ Judith then enjoys the research.

She uses the internet ‘as a starter and for looking up historical facts’ and then visits the places she is writing about ‘to get the feel of it’. She usually travels with husband Iain, who is very supportive and who ‘carries the suitcase which is invaluable with my bad back’. Iain makes helpful suggestions particularly regarding the male characters’ point of view, sorts out technical problems, does the accounts, and best of all ‘doesn’t fuss if there’s no dinner and I have a deadline’.

Writing does not run in Judith’s family. ‘Most of them are scientists with a strong interest in the arts,’ that includes parents, grandparents, and siblings but Judith feels her writing success has shown her children that an arts career is possible. Indeed one of her sons is a musician although it’s too early to tell what influence she may have on her two baby grandsons.

What does the process of writing entail for Judith? ‘It was difficult at first. I started when my youngest was in play group and Iain was away a lot with his job, but I realised it was now or never. Much of the housework was repetitive, like ironing so my mind was free to think of other things.’

At first she wrote ‘wherever there was space for a table’. But it’s much easier now; she has a room of her own with a desk, book shelves and posters on the walls. ‘Life has to be reasonably calm with no interruption. My mind has to be clear before I start planning,’ something she does carefully. ‘It can take several months to plan a book but that makes it easier when I start writing, though I do make changes as I write. Re-writing is as important as the first draft.’

Judith usually works from nine till one, ‘I work best in the mornings’ and may work in the afternoon as well depending on the stage of the book. ‘Ideas come out at their own pace’, although by the time deadlines loom she writes more solidly. ‘And even when you’re not writing you’re thinking. You can be working out the plot in the supermarket queue… or getting it unstuck on a country walk.’ 

One thing Judith doesn’t get stuck with is ideas for the next book. ‘I find they branch from each other often growing out of the previous book although they usually go in a different direction.’ And she hopes that will continue, ‘for as long as I can hold a large plot in my head.’

Writing is a lonely business. ‘You’ve got to really, really want to do it. It’s something I need to do and I enjoy the process.’ As a long-time member of the RNA, Judith values meeting other writers at her local chapter in Cambridge. ‘Everyone is very supportive. We have the same interests, the same problems. It’s invaluable to moan about difficulties and celebrate triumphs together.’

Hopefully the next triumph will be The Heart of the Night, due to be published by Headline in hardback in June and paperback in 2010.

www.judithlennox.com