Literary Birthday – 24 February – Lesley Pearse

Happy Birthday, Lesley Pearse, born 24 February 1945.

Five Quotes

1. It isn’t enough to have just a brilliant idea, thousands of other people will have one too. Just like wishing to be a figure skater, a concert pianist, or a gymnast, you not only have to have some natural talent to start with, you also will have to be prepared to train. I mean by this working at it. Writing and rewriting until it is pleasing, not just to you, but for others.
2. Some strange compulsion kept me writing, even if at times it seemed utterly hopeless. It was my dream to be a successful writer, and no one could dissuade me. I do believe that persistence is the key. The more you write, the better you get at it. Disappointments and rejections are all part of the apprenticeship.
3. I am fortunate that I soak up atmosphere and information about the past like a sponge.
4. You need passion, and you must be able to cope with criticism and disappointment.  It’s a long old haul, and very often a lonely one.
5. It’s hard to motivate myself at the start of a new one. I spend a lot of time staring out the window, doing gardening and reading too, anything to put off the job in hand. But once I’ve got going I gradually waste less time and don’t want to stop writing for anything or anyone.

Read more about this delightful author in our interview with Lesley Pearse

Lesley Pearse is one of the UK’s best-loved novelists. She is best-known for Belle  and Remember Me, and she has sold more than three million copies of her books. Visit Lesley Pearse’s Website

by Amanda Patterson

Are you interested in more authors’ birthdays? Please click here: Literary Birthday Calendar