Deep Dive
Why did Bella Mackie decide to set the story of 'What A Way To Go' in a wealthy, dysfunctional family?
Bella Mackie set the story in a wealthy, dysfunctional family to explore the hidden depths and backstabbing nature of such families, which she finds fascinating. The characters, particularly Anthony Whiston, represent the indulgence and lack of consequence that comes with extreme wealth and societal privilege.
What inspired Bella Mackie to create the South Gloucestershire Processing Centre in her novel?
Bella Mackie was inspired by her own experience of being in the hospital with appendicitis, where she felt a total lack of control. She wanted to create a place where Anthony Whiston, a wealthy and controlling man, would be stripped of his authority and forced to confront the reality of his life and death.
How does the novel 'What A Way To Go' comment on the power dynamics between old money and new money in Britain?
The novel highlights the co-dependency and friction between old money and new money. Anthony Whiston, who has made his own fortune, and his wife Olivia, who comes from old money, represent the clash of these two worlds. Olivia brings social clout while Anthony has the financial power, but both feel they should have more control, leading to a nuanced exploration of class and money.
Why does Bella Mackie keep the sleuth unnamed in 'What A Way To Go'?
The sleuth is unnamed to maintain her anonymity and obscurity, reflecting the faceless nature of internet accounts and true crime sleuths. This anonymity also allows the reader to focus on the sleuth's obsessive investigation rather than her personal life, which mirrors the online true crime community.
What role does humor play in Bella Mackie's writing, especially in 'What A Way To Go'?
Humor is crucial in Bella Mackie's writing as it helps to balance the despicable nature of the characters and the dark themes of the novel. It makes the book more engaging and allows readers to enjoy the story without being overwhelmed by the unlikable characters or the procedural details of crime fiction.
How did Bella Mackie's experience with nonfiction writing influence her transition to fiction?
Bella Mackie initially felt a sense of vertigo and insecurity when making the transition from nonfiction to fiction, as she was used to dealing with real facts and quotes. However, after a few months, she found the freedom of fiction liberating, allowing her to create characters and scenarios entirely from her imagination without the constraints of reality.
What is the Pomodoro method, and how does Bella Mackie use it in her writing process?
The Pomodoro method is a time management technique where you set a timer for 25 minutes and focus intensely on a task, followed by a short 2-3 minute break. Bella Mackie uses this method to maintain concentration and productivity, often setting the timer on her phone and writing for 25 minutes before taking a break. She finds it particularly helpful for staying focused and avoiding procrastination.
What is Bella Mackie's next project, and when is it expected to be released?
Bella Mackie's next project is a novel set in North London about a liberal elite family, which she describes as 'Rich Pickings.' It is expected to be released in early 2026, a quicker turnaround than her previous book.
Why does Bella Mackie think the super rich might actually live quite boring lives?
Bella Mackie believes that the super rich often live boring lives, despite their access to luxury. They tend to spend their time on mundane activities, such as using their phones, attending balloon parties, and flying around in private jets. She finds that their lives lack the meaningful engagement and depth that one might expect from people with such vast resources.
What is Bella Mackie's approach to writing and editing, especially when facing a deadline?
Bella Mackie is rigorous when a deadline looms, writing around 1,000 words a day using the Pomodoro method to stay focused. She often finds that writing more than this can lead to sloppiness. When in deadline mode, she writes more and edits the next morning, acknowledging that the initial drafts are often not perfect.
- Introduction of Bella Mackie's new novel, What A Way To Go.
- The novel centers around the death of wealthy patriarch Anthony Whiston.
- The narrative is told from multiple perspectives, including Anthony's in a purgatory-like setting.
- The family's despicable traits are highlighted.
- The role of a true crime armchair detective is introduced.
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