Nicky Bond

Growing Up, Not Growing Old

Hi Nicky,

Great to meet you. Thank you for chatting with me.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Yes, but I think I imagined it would be when I retired, at some distant point in the future. It was quite a surprise when I sat down to write with purpose, in my mid-thirties.

Is there one particular person who inspired you to write?

Part of my degree was in English Literature, so I spent three years being given a new ‘important’ and ‘worthy’ text to read, every couple of weeks. When I finished, I didn’t think I’d ever want to read again, but then I discovered brilliant contemporary authors. People like Marian Keyes, Nick Hornby, Lisa Jewell, and David Nicholl. Reading these authors for pleasure made me want to have a go myself one day.

Why do you think books are important?

When you have no money and are living in a situation that isn’t the way you would choose if you had control over your life, then escaping into another world via a library book is sometimes all you have. I can’t imagine my teenage years without books. 

Who is your favourite author/ which is your favourite book? Why?

I have so many, but the book I can always reread again and again is The Sacred Art of Stealing by Christopher Brookmyre. It’s a satire, a thriller, makes me laugh, makes me cry, includes a perfectly pitched romance, as well as loads of twists you don’t see coming. I love it.

What sort of music do you like to listen to? Who is your favourite singer/ band?

I’m automatically drawn to anything from my eighties childhood, but if I had to pick one artist it would be George Michael. 

Who do you admire most in the world? Why?

I struggle to pick one person because so many people impress me. Anyone who stands up against oppression and inequality is pretty admirable to me. 

If you had the opportunity to change one thing what would it be?

I’d make it a rule that in order to be in the Cabinet, you would have to complete a 2-year internship on a basic salary, with a public service provider. Preferably in a deprived area of the country. Some politicians need a little more empathy.

If you could choose a superpower what would it be?

Flying.

You have a Saturday night free. No kids or work to worry about (post lockdown) what would be the perfect way to spend it?

I’d put the world to rights with a mate over multiple beers, ending up with a late-night take-away that I’d regret in the morning, but thought was the best food in the world as I shovelled it in.

Tell us all about your book.

I’m currently writing the sequel to my first novel, Carry the Beautiful. This was published in 2017 and is what’s filling my head most of the time whilst I write the next part. 

‘Tilda Rudd’s ability of controlling her feelings and slapping on a smile is severely tested after reaching her fortieth birthday. Her past must be confronted and she can’t put it off much longer. Her journey down Memory Lane reveals a young woman open to possibility, and at odds with the tightly wound control-freak she has become. Is it the alcoholic solicitor or the travelling artist that hold the key to where it all went wrong? And who is the angry old man with just days left to live?

Carry the Beautiful is a witty yet emotionally charged story of one woman’s mid-life crisis. It is the tale of growing up, of loss and the unwitting compromises people make, long before they realise their consequences.’

What was your inspiration for your new book?

The new book continues from my first – Carry the Beautiful. In that, we meet Tilda, as she works through the discontent of hitting middle-age and wondering if this is all there is to life. My new book follows her after she’s made some changes and is living on her own terms. Alongside her friend Bea, and a new acquaintance called Stewart, they have to navigate getting older without the societal brownie points of long-term relationships and children. 

Which of your characters do you like most? Why?

My favourite is Bea Charleston. She is Tilda’s ex-colleague and friend, and is the devil on her sensible shoulder, encouraging her to live a little. Bea is funny, loves to shock, and will share sex-stories that would make the most open-minded, wince. But she’s a good friend, cares about the people around her, and sees it as her mission to bring others out of their shell.

Tell us about your characters.

Tilda is reserved and cautious. Always the voice of reason, she relishes a spreadsheet, likes a detailed list of tasks to complete, and will urge you to have a glass of water after every glass of wine, should you spend a social evening with her.

Stewart is a mess. Bullied into all his life-choices by an oppressive father, he’s now aimless and unglued after his father’s death. His business is suffering, his anger is becoming uncontrollable, and it’s only the thought of Tilda - a name from his brother’s past – that is giving him any hope. But his awkward way of reaching out to her is likely to push her away. He needs help, he needs change, he needs… he has no idea what he needs, but he needs something, and soon.

What motivates your main character/ characters?

All three of my main characters in this sequel are trying to make their lives have meaning. All three are childfree and either single or in problematic relationships. They are restless, and struggling with their lack of connection with the world.

If your main character could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

At the start of my new book, Tilda has started her life over. She spent years dreaming of living by the coast, and so she has moved to mid-Wales, and the town of Aberystwyth. It is her perfect place. Not too big and crowded. She wants a sense of community and the possibility of friendships, as well as the beautiful scenery and stunning seafront. 

What do you think is your main character's best and worst trait?

Tilda is dedicated, loyal, and highly competent. She excels at details and organisation. Her house is spotless and she is a good friend to others. Her worst trait is her anxiety around reaching out. She can’t walk into a pub on her own, she struggles to ask for help when she needs it, and she finds it impossible to chat to strangers beyond polite small talk.