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!

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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