Why do you write?
Because it is what I do best.
What books do you read?
I am very keen on reading local history for research, so I am mostly reading in Spanish at the moment. I sometimes read detective fiction for relaxation.
What inspires you?
At the moment I am writing a lot about Spain and particularly about the Sierra Minera and its mining industry.
How did you know you wanted to be a writer and when?
I dabbled as a child but became serious and full time from 1978.
How Do you deal with rejection?
I move on quickly.
Who are some writers you admire?
I chiefly feel influenced by those up to the 18th century. I love satire. I see the influence of Martial, Jonson, Rochester, Swift, for instance, I also greatly admire poets of great scope, Shakespeare and Homer. I studied Greek and Latin at school and have many favourites there. I also feel an affinity with mediaeval language and the playwrights of the Elizabethan and Jacobean period.
Is writing the only artistic medium you do?
I studied Art for four years. Have also studied singing privately and music is important to me.. Have also dabbled in acting.
What would be some advice you would give to your younger self?
Save lots of money for your old age. Be more pragmatic.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Read a lot and work hard. Don´t allow others to rework your writing. If you don´t believe in yourself it is not worth doing
What is your writing process?
Writing a first draft and then reworking. Poems often get finished with the aid of coffee.
Fiona Pitt-kethley is the author of more than 20 books of poetry and prose. Her chief period of fame was from the mid-80s to mid-90s. Contrary to popular belief she is still writing. She has lived in Spain for the last 13 years with her husband, the chess grandmaster James Plaskett and their son Alexander. She has adopted a feral cat colony also. She is currently working on a prose book on collecting minerals in the SIerra Minera. She also has enough poetry for 2 collections or more. She has revived a lot of her older work by bringing it out as ebooks.
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