“Place is not simply what you see. Hit all the senses. That way the location becomes vibrant.” Q&A with Therese
August 21, 2012 Category: 7 Questions. 3 Tips, main 2 Comments 
Thérèse is the author of INDIA’S SUMMER, a compelling story of a single woman about to turn forty who travels to LA in an attempt to reinvent her life. The book has been praised by Jane Green, Orlando Bloom and Goldie Hawn. I invited Thérèse to answer 7 quick-fire questions and 3 expert tips for successfully using location as a character in the story (India’s Summer is set in LA & London). Find out more about the book below this fab Q&A!
7 Quick Fire Questions
1. Favorite place to write?
I have a lovely home office, but somehow during the course of the day always end up multi- tasking and my computer, papers, coffee cups and clutter ends up strewn across the kitchen table.
2. Favorite celebrity chef?
Gordon Ramsay. I love the trouble -shooting, the tears, the fury the swearing, the frustration. I’m hopeless at following a recipe though.
3. Most interesting job you’ve ever held
Well I’m not sure ‘ held ‘ is quite the word, but I suppose selling Afghan coats in Turkey proved interesting. I was a student earning my way during a summer in Europe. I would go to the market and tell the tourists who were looking at the stalls that the prices were better at Orhan’s factory, then bring them there. The best part was that it was actually true and people went away very happy.
4. Childhood obsession?
Ballet. I am still prone to the occasional pirouette around the house.
5. Last movie you saw in the theaters
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Such a delight. You want to pack your bags and head straight for Jaipur.
6. Dream travel destination
The moon
7. PC or Mac?
Mac
3 Expert Tips for successfully using location as a character in the story (LA, London)
1. You can only write convincingly about a place if when you are describing it when you see it clearly in your mind’s eye. So try writing about a place you know really well.
2. Place is not simply what you see. Hit all the senses. That way the location becomes vibrant.
3. Check out all the facts and try to avoid clichés. Your take on a place will be unique. Make it as authentic as possible.
About India’s Summer
In love with a movie star and with a burgeoning new career as a self- help guru, India is in her element until a defamatory video, filmed of her venting to Annabelle soon after her arrival goes viral. Her new life unravels. Humiliated and depressed, she returns to London where she repairs the damage with those closest to her. When her agent calls with news that he has sold her book proposal she takes control of her life. Shakily re-united with Adam and still balancing life on both sides of the pond, she returns to America to promote her book.
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The experience selling Afghan coats sounds soooo interesting. I wish there were a couple of photos to show Therese in action in Turkey.
I don’t know much about LA and am not sure if I’ll be able to appreciate it as much as someone who has experienced the city but am definitely intrigued now and will give it a read.