Paula Xiberras
I recently spoke to author Jennifer Smart about her novel ‘ The Wardrobe Girl’, a look at working behind scenes at a soap opera with the amalgam name of ‘Pretty Beach Rescue’. Jennifer knows the industry pretty well, having worked on both ‘Home and Away’ and ‘Crash Palace’.
Jen tells me she hasn’t been to Tasmania yet but is eager to get here to see MONA and our other attractions. Like a lot of people she has travelled widely overseas, including time in London and has neglected travelling more extensively at home. Jen does agree that the Tasmanian climate is suited to those who have a creative bent like herself.
Jen’s protagonist in this novel,Tess like Jen herself, lived overseas and is determined to become her own person unhampered by her familial connections in the industry, however nothing goes to plan with the return of ex partners, possibilities of new romances and more than occasional hijinks
Although the novel doesn’t contain any characters based on real people it does employ some of the features of the entertainment industry like the stage mother. Especially explored when our heroine finds her job as wardrobe girl made increasingly uncomfortable by her sister joining the cast as well as her mum!
Jen talks to me about her writing routine which entails visiting the state library of NSW and particularly the Mitchell reading room where she finds the ambience right for her writing. A trip home on the ferry and a walk at circular quay completes her scenic routine.
Jen’s method of writing is the old fashioned way,longhand. Jen believes it encourages a, coveted connection between the hand and the brain. She also finds it helpful when changing a word, that instead of pressing delete you only put a line through it and the word or phrase remains if you change your mind or decide to use it in another context.
One of the things that has really warmed Jen’s heart since becoming a full time author are stories like the one she quotes to me. of a local woman, not generally a reader, that became intrigued by her book, so much so she was always picking the book up to the observance of her 9 year ‘old son. The mum was pleasantly surprised in the Easter holidays to see her son also reaching for a book (not the same book) to see why mum was so excited by reading!
I ask Jen what she thinks, considering her background, of a movie or mini series being made of the book and she is receptive to the idea and if it did come to fruition she would like to see Rose Byrne in the title role of Tess because ‘she has the emotional depth’ to play the character and for Tess’ mum Jen’s choice would be Tina Burstall for ‘commanding that role’.
The good news is that a sequel is on the way, where we will see what happens in the continuing adventures of Tess.
Wardrobe Girl is out now published by Random House
