Vivienne Lingard is an artist, illustrator and writer. Mrs Forsythe is her second novel. She has previously published Pocket Money & other stories, and the fictional memoir The (almost) True story of a Man called Jack. She has a BEd (Massey University), a Cambridge Certificate in ESOL (International House, Barcelona), a Masters in Creative Writing (University of Auckland), and was awarded a NZSA mentorship to complete the draft of another novel. She has also studied short story and travel writing at Massey University, and was selected to join a short story masterclass with writer and editor Tom Jenks in San Francisco. Vivienne continues her art practice alongside her writing, and plans to combine the two skills. Vivienne talks to NZ Booklovers.
Tell us a little about Mrs Forsythe.
Marjorie Forsythe, reluctant wife and mother, has yearned for the time she can be on her own, and finally, the day has come. It is 1970s Wellington, and the city beckons her to explore a different life, where her options and choices are based on her talents and intellect rather than on societal norms. But will Marjorie’s brittleness with family and friends soften when she finally has, as Virginia Woolf says, ‘a room of one’s own’, and opportunities arise to be more than mere housewife or mother? Will she ever be able to give and receive the love she needs and others wish for?
What inspired you to write Mrs Forsythe?
Women. A conversation arose during our writer’s group meeting, about women of our mother’s generation who found marriage and child raising unfulfilling, with little or no opportunity to pursue the work or activities they believed possible inside this institution. We spoke of our own mothers; some of whom failed to create warm relationships with their children. One member, a strong advocate for women’s rights, suggested I might like to write about such a woman, and I said, a little reluctantly, that I would ‘give it a go’. From this initial hesitation, I came to thoroughly enjoy creating this novel about a most complex and interesting person.
What research was involved?
My research involved both physical and digital exploration. I decided on 1970s Wellington as the setting, as I had lived there during this period when Women’s Liberation was beginning to make its mark. I knew the inner city well, and so placed my protagonist there. I visited Wellington several times throughout the writing; walking the streets I had known, and the beaches close by, as they were to feature too. I believe it is vital to ‘feel’ a place through the senses; wind and rain on your skin, salt in the air, a bird’s screech, sun striking the sea etc. But apart from these physical meanderings, I looked up archival material online about 1970s Wellington, as I wanted to ensure I had all my remembered facts right. My character was interested in politics, photography, music and Māori study, amongst other interests, and so it was essential to ensure that I brought authenticity and accuracy to these topics, as well as the clothing which befitted the times.
If a soundtrack were made to accompany this book, name a song or two you would include.
It would be a classical soundtrack. As the protagonist Marjorie loves piano, I would suggest Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, or Dvorak’s piano and cello pieces.
If your book was made into a movie, who would you like to see playing the lead characters?
I would like both international and New Zealand leads considered for Marjorie, Pat and Thomas.
For Marjorie: Frances Mc Dormand/ Rima te Wiata
Pat: Laura Linney/Theresa Healey
Thomas: Colin Firth/ Andy Granger
What did you enjoy the most about writing this novel?
I enjoyed discovering the inner workings of my character Marjorie to glean what lay behind her complex and sometimes bewildering personality, yet create a character that a readers could admire. I thought about such difficulties throughout and developed more scenes involving her intelligence, humour and laser-like wit. I loved creating those scenes. Also parts where I have used my own knowledge of art and dance to lend authenticity to the narrative. I believe my hard work has paid off. I can honestly say that she has grown on me.
What did you do to celebrate finishing this book?
I shared a bottle of champagne with my husband. But, the real party will come when the book is launched on Thursday March 20 from 5–6.30 at the Devonport RSA rooms 61 Victoria Road. Should be fantastic!
What is the favourite book you have read so far this year and why?
I have begun several, but my mind has been too occupied with getting Mrs Forsythe into the world, that I haven’t been able to concentrate. I’m looking forward to reading the three on my bedside table though; delirious by Damien Wilkins; The City And Its Uncertain Walls by Murakami; and Kawai: For Such A Time as This by Monty Soutar.
What’s next on the agenda for you?
I am already sketching images and ideas for a Graphic Novel with the working title Girls Will. I am keen to get started on combining my art and writing very much. I love both so much.