Interview: Sophie Rogers talks about Orchids & Camellias

Sophie Rogers is a former librarian and current bookshop assistant turned writer. She originally self-published her first book, Nightshades and Paperwhites, before it was picked up by a New Zealand publisher. Sophie holds a Bachelor of Arts with a history major and a post-graduate diploma in creative writing from Otago University. Sophie talks to NZ Bookovers about Orchids & Camellias.

Can you tell us a little about the new book?

Orchids and Camellias is inspired by my first novel Nightshades and Paperwhites. It is the story of newly widowed and pregnant Ginny Yang, as she searches for a way to make a life for herself and her son, Liang. It is a story of survival, hope and motherhood. It also has themes of women’s suffrage and prohibition.

How difficult was it writing Orchids & Camellias, after your first book Nightshades and Paperwhites and what did you find different about the process from the first book?

It many ways its has been easier. Orchids took me four years, Nightshades took eight.

I started writing Orchids two weeks after Nightshades was released- the story came so quick I had to get it all down. I went on a short holiday around the South Island and found inspiration everywhere. Because I already knew the characters, and had a reasonable handle on the history of the time, I had the full story down in a month. Then it was a matter of doing some research on the places, and events where my knowledge was lacking.

Nightshades was the opposite- I had completed the history research first, and then made a novel out of what I found. But while writing Nightshades, I was also learning how to write and what writing routines worked for me. I took a year off to study creative writing at Massey University. So having the base helped immensely, and saved me time.

The one thing I really struggled with this time around was self-doubt: Was it a fluke that I managed to write one book? What if I am a one-hit wonder? What if no one likes my second book? I have since learned that apparently it's common for many writers to feel this way when writing their second book. 

What research was involved?

I spent some time in Christchurch and Dunedin visiting places of interest- one of which was the Kate Sheppard House in Christchurch, as well as museums, libraries and churches.

During the writing of Orchids, I was able to spend some time at the National Library in Wellington, and went back a few times on separate trips. One of the many cool things about the National Library (and there are lots of cool things!) is that downstairs, you can go and view the Treaty of Waitangi and the Petition for Women’s suffrage.

I used the Papers Past website, and relied heavily on the interloan service at the Alexandra Public Library- who were awesome at sourcing me books from all over the country.

What was your routine or process when writing this book?

Process-wise, I had the outline of what I wanted the story to be, and a general idea of the history. I spent a year taking turns focusing different places - Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin. I would research, then write the part of the book set in place. Then I spent a year or two smoothing out the lumps and plot holes.

Day-to-day writing routines: I do my best writing before work. So most days I get up at six, and do a minimum of an hour’s writing before I do anything else. If I have had a good writing morning, it's usually easy to come back to it later in the day, or in the evening and carry on.

I have also learnt how to write just about anywhere - I was working on Orchids in the plane on my way to a Harry Styles concert!

If a soundtrack was made to accompany the new book, name a song or two you would include.

The scientist by Coldplay 

Sign of the times by Harry Styles 

What did you enjoy the most about writing Orchids & Camellias?

I really enjoyed having a publisher. Being a part of a team is so much more rewarding than working alone, and the Flying Books Press is one of the best teams to be a part of.

 I initially published Nightshades myself. Self-publishing is hard; you have no one to rely on but yourself. Not only are you the author, but you are also trying organise marketing, publicity, cover design and final edits. It was rather stressful trying to wear so many different hats at once.

With Orchids and Camellias, I had the support from Flying Books early on. The team at Flying Books Press were amazing to work with, and so supportive. Being part of the team meant that I could focus more on the writing side of things, and meant the whole process was far more enjoyable.

What did you do to celebrate finishing this book?

Nothing terribly exciting - I took a few days off work and enjoyed some sleep ins! The real celebration comes at book launch.

What is the favourite book you have read so far this year and why?

I am half way through Philippa Gregory’s new book The Boleyn Traitor.  I've always loved anything by Philippa Gregory that is Tudor based, and this novel is no exception.

What’s next on the agenda for you?

Getting ready for Blossom Festival! Every year Alexandra holds its annual Blossom Festival, and has done so for the last sixty-nine years. Held in September, it is a week-long celebration that includes a parade Saturday morning, and a party in the park. I love being involved in making floats for the parade, and I help run the princess competition. It will be October by the time I sit back down at my desk and think about what I might write next!