An Interview with Rose Servitova: Author of The Watsons, Bronze Winner of the 2019 SPR Book Awards

Rose Servitova is an award-winning humour writer, event manager and job coach for people with special needs. She has published widely. Her debut novel, The Longbourn Letters – The Correspondence between Mr Collins & Mr Bennet, was described as a “literary triumph.” Rose has made author appearances at literary events and festivals in Ireland and the UK, including the Jane Austen Festival in Bath and an upcoming Jane Austen Summer Program in North Carolina. She has also spoken in schools and universities. Rose’s second novel, described as “an extraordinary piece of work” is a completing of Jane Austen’s unfinished novel, The Watsons.

Tell us about your book.

The Watsons by is a completing of Jane Austen’s unfinished novel. It is the tale of four sisters as they seek security, love and happiness in a world where the most important decisions affecting their lives, are not always theirs to make. It is a book about relationships, freedom and personal empowerment. After a fourteen year absence, Emma Watson, presumed heiress, is returned penniless to her family. As she becomes reacquainted with her sisters, she sees how their future prospects hinge on the health of their clergyman father and the humour of her brothers. In drawing the attention of the party from Osborne Castle, a series of events unfold which see Emma’s choices not always corresponding with those around her and the fall-out that occurs as a result. How does she appease the wrong she has committed in other’s eyes without creating a greater one in her own?

Why did you choose to self-publish?

My first novel, a humor title, The Longbourn Letters – The Correspondence between Mr Collins & Mr Bennet was a reimagining of the relationship between two characters from Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. I wrote it in 2016 and knew I had to have it available to readers in time for Austen’s bicentenary in 2017. There was no way I was going to risk it sitting on slush piles until after the big event was over so I felt I must find a really great indie publisher who would make my book look and feel how I wanted it to be. It received great reviews in the press and media so when it came time to publish my second novel, The Watsons, a completing of Austen’s unfinished work and I had decided to self-publish again, I knew what to do and where to go.

What tools or companies did you use, and what experience did you have?

I used Kazoo Publishing, who were a one-stop shop for me. Everything from the quality of the print to the layout was hugely important to them. Cover design was also included and they work with one of the best in the business Design for Writers. I loved being creatively involved and consulted about the cover design. I think these things matter.

Would you self-publish again?

Yes. I would like to experience all forms of publishing but I definitely love the independence and creativity involved in self-publishing.

What tips can you give other authors looking to self-publish?

Always treat your book as if it’s an international bestseller – make it look like a bestseller and make it read like one. I also like this quote from Robert Frost about the importance of feeling what you wish your reader to feel – this makes it authentic & gives it integrity. “No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.”

What was your steepest learning curve during the publishing process?

The importance of resilience was my steepest learning curve. There may be times when you feel disheartened, want to give up or not push yourself any more – you may have a different demanding day job, you’re tired, the kids are sick, someone doesn’t respond to your email and a newspaper who promised a review don’t keep their word – give it your best anyhow. Focus on the doors that open and don’t give your energy to those that don’t – this will give you the energy to remain resilient.

As a writer, what is your schedule? How do you get the job done?

I reduced my day job by one day per week and use the hours that the children are at school to write or see to my promotion work/arrange literary event talks etc… In reality, I write the first draft really very fast (in less than a week) as the ideas tend to slip through my fingers like sand. Once the first draft is written and it is always really dreadful stuff, I spend several months editing it and rewriting it over and over. I don’t need the same amount of privacy and quiet to edit so I can do that in the evenings or when I get to a cafe etc…

Tell us about the genre you wrote in, and why you chose to write this sort of book.

My book is historical fiction. I love the past and feel that many of the dramas or books set in the past have a charm and simplicity that I love. I love period dramas (any of the Austen/Bronte adaptations, Downton Abbey, Poirot). I have a university degree in both History and English and my husband creates historical costumes, I feel it’s the most natural genre for me to be drawn to.

Who are your biggest writing inspirations and why?

PG Wodehouse, Agatha Christie, Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, John B Keane, Bill Bryson are my biggest writing inspirations. This is because there is a humour and lightness in touch in how the handle their stories but more than anything, it is because their stories are all about the characters. Character is everything!

Why did you write about this particular subject?

I consider myself a big Jane Austen fan and yet, up to a few years ago, I had not realised that on her death, two of her novels remained unfinished. Andrew Davis (who wrote screenplays for many Austen novels as well at the Bridget Jones movies) has since completed Sanditon, the other unfinished work for ITV. Thankfully, I went for the other one – The Watsons. I have an Austenesque style and wit when writing and my goal had been to complete the novel in a manner so loyal that it would feel as if it was written by Austen herself and just discovered beneath the floorboards at Chawton Cottage. To date, no one can tell where Austen finishes and I take over.

What did you learn on your journey as an author?

Every author thinks they are rubbish some, if not all, of the time so just keep going. When your manuscript is finished, get some editing assistance (either an editor friend or freelance) but don’t break the bank. They can really polish your work and help you see blips that you would never have otherwise noticed.

What’s next for you as an author?

I have two projects started. The first is more historical fiction (bio-fiction) based on the life of a very inspirational, adventurous nun of 1930’s and the second is a series of funny picutre books for children based on the pets of Austen characters e.g. Mr Collin’s Cat, Lady Catherine’s Canary etc…