Bold Strokes Book Festival, UK

Lesley Davis: Attention Grabbers

I don’t watch a great deal of TV now. I used to, I’d watch most things, but my concentration now is so scattered (thanks to my M.E.) a TV show really has to capture my attention fast otherwise I am clicking the channel or picking up my 3DS.

So what captures my attention? Something different, a decent cast, a central main character that stands out and really catches my eye. Aliens. Ok, so I admit it, give me something science fiction and you’ve got a better chance of grabbing my attention than you have in another genre. That doesn’t mean I will stay watching though. If the characters aren’t well written then I will be reaching for a game to play before their space ship has left orbit. Sorry, “Defiance”, you may have Jaime Murray in a lead role but the stories are all ones I’ve seen before and done better. And really? Gratuitous nakedness does not count as a plot devise, no matter how pretty!

In my stories, usually what I am watching at the time of writing appears on the TV screens of my characters. “V” got a mention in “Dark Wings Descending”, and those who know me well know of my deep and abiding adoration of Elizabeth Mitchell so it was only fair and proper her show should be recognised! “Fringe” got a nod in “Pale Wings Protecting”. Both these shows has the same core, a strong female in the lead who wasn’t weak, who was allowed to fight back, and was smart and brave. It’s rare to see that, even main stream films fall back on the ‘she needs to have a man to save her’ rote that leaves me shaking my head.

I’m glad I’m a writer, because I can make my characters as brave and smart as I wish, and put them in situations only they can get out of. That doesn’t mean I leave men aside, they have their place too. Elton from “Playing Passion’s Game” and the soon to be released “Playing In Shadow” has a large role he plays. But for me, it’s always the ladies that have to be front and centre, not just because I’m female, or a lesbian, but because I can’t identify with the leading man. And I need to see in a character something that calls out to me to make me watch them, to care for them, to want to see more of their lives and what they do next. As a writer I hope I infuse that in my characters to make people want to read more. Some characters I myself can’t let go of, so expect to see Trent and Juliet making appearances as long as I can write!

The show I am into at the moment makes an appearance in “Playing In Shadow”, keep an eye out for it! It is Monica’s favourite for a very “Evil Regal” reason! And I hope the new story, out 2015, will capture your attentions and keep you wanting more! A huge thank you for everyone who gets in touch with me to ask for more of their favourite characters, keep reading please, they may return in time!

Hope to see some of you in Nottingham this June! Come find me and let’s talk leading ladies!

For full details of the event click the mouth in the smiley face  *_*