Jackie Collins chat

The blockbuster author chats to iVillage about sex, writing, famous people and more…

iVillage: Where do you get your inspiration and ideas for your books?
Jackie Collins: I think I'm a born storyteller. Inspiration is all around me. I can read a newspaper article and come up with an idea for a book.

iVillage: Do you do your own research?
Jackie Collins: Yes. I don't believe in writing anything that I don't know about or haven't researched about personally. I like to transport the reader to places, and in order to do that I have to do the research.

iVillage: Does the writing and storytelling get easier as you produce more work? Were you confident of your writing skills before you published your first book?
Jackie Collins: I was never confident about finishing a book, but friends encouraged me. When I finished my first book, it was accepted by a publisher right away and became an instant bestseller. One male critic called it the most shocking book he ever read. I was so surprised by his attitude. I am still shocking people today, and I don't know why. Is it because I'm a woman talking about sex and men? One magazine said that no one writes sex in the back of a Bentley better than Jackie Collins.

iVillage: Have you ever got bored of a book while writing it?
Jackie Collins: Never. I really fall in love with my characters, even the bad ones. I love getting together with them. They tell me what to do; they take me on a wild and wonderful trip.

Jackie and her craft

iVillage: Do you write the synopsis of a book before or after the book is completed?
Jackie Collins: I write synopses after the book is completed. I can't write it beforehand, because I don't know what the book's about. I invent something for my publisher because he asks for one, but the final book ends up very differently. God knows what Lucky will be doing next!

iVillage: What makes your books different from others in the genre?
Jackie Collins: My books are different because I don't follow a certain formula. I simply write about subjects that fascinate me. I write about the American dream: if you set your mind to do something, you can do it. My fans know they're getting the real thing.

iVillage: How old were you when your first book was published? How many have been published?

Jackie Collins: I was in my early 20s. I have written 20 books, and each one is like having a baby. Writing is not easy; some people want to write books but just can't put a story together. I can put together a story that interests both me and my readers.

iVillage: On average, how long does it take you to complete a book?
Jackie Collins: From start to finish, it takes between nine months and a year. I usually have to promote my current book at the same time.

iVillage: How much of your time is taken up by promoting?
Jackie Collins: It's very time-consuming, but it gives me a chance to talk to the readers and hear their comments. I write for myself, but I also write for my fans. I love hearing that people enjoy my books; I can never hear enough of that!