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Jackie Collins: the importance of sex
iVillage: Do you ever get frustrated and have to stop writing for a while?
Jackie Collins: No. I'm very lucky. I don't get writer's block. I edit myself a lot, but I add a lot too. I write it out, my assistant types it up, and then I edit it. I do this five or six times.
Famous faces in Jackie's books
iVillage: Are any of your characters based on real people, famous or otherwise? People have so much fun putting famous faces to the characters you create.
Jackie Collins: That's what I like to hear. I want people to play the guessing game. I do base my characters on famous people, but on a mixture of them. Some people thought my hero from Rock Star could have been one of many people. Silver Anderson could be Faye Dunaway, or another grand lady. One can never be too sure - and I'll never be the one to tell you!
iVillage: Have any of the people you wrote about recognised themselves and complimented you?
Jackie Collins: No, that hasn't happened. They criticise me and say I get their stories wrong. But I like to have people guess about the characters' identities.
iVillage: Which of your books is your favourite?
Jackie Collins: My favourite book is Lethal Seduction. It's funny, and I like the characters. Chances is also a favourite of mine, because it includes Lucky's mother, and because you see Lucky grow up. You really get to understand her.
iVillage: Do you have a favourite author?
Jackie Collins: I love Elmore Leonard, Robert Parker and Laurence Shames. I like fast, male fiction. Many people say I write like a man; I write about direct, honest relationships.
Jackie's advice for new writers
iVillage: Would you encourage new writers to go to conferences and institutes that might be able to give them some insight?
Jackie Collins: It's hard for me to answer that. I am a self-made writer, but it always helps to study the craft. My opinion is, if you can write, then sit down and write.
iVillage: When a new writer finishes a book, how can she get publishers to even read her work or to give her a chance?
Jackie Collins: If you're a new writer, you have to go through an agent. You have to write something that will attract an agent's attention. Publishers receive so many submissions that they can't read everything. The first step is finding an agent.
iVillage: Do you write every day? What time of the day is best for you? Do you have a favourite spot for writing?
Jackie Collins: I have a peaceful study in my home. The sun shines on a palm tree outside the window. I put on soul music and start writing at 6:30am, and write all day. The music really sets a mood.
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