Interview With Author Angie Bailey
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Angie and I am a British, forty-something mother of three. I have been writing in some form or another for most of my life. Starting out with poetry and funny odes and then, in later life, I turned to books.
I started my book writing journey during lockdown, where I penned and self-published the series, The Secret Diary of a Lockdown Mum. This is a very candid, unedited version of my life during the COVID pandemic. Written to make people laugh and show how imperfect it is ok to be. All the royalties from the sales of these books are split between the mental health charity MIND and the UK’s NHS service.
I then decided to try my hand at writing a novel and Believe was born.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Believe, was inspired by two things, my very best friend’s belief I could do and a crazy dream. A strange concoction, I know.
After I had written my first Secret Diary, my friend said to me, ‘Have you ever thought about writing a novel?’
In truth, I hadn’t. I mean, what would I even write about?
I remember sitting at my computer thinking and desperately trying to think of an idea for a story… and nothing, nada, nothing came to me. I was just about ready to give up.
Then, one night, I had the most amazing dream about a crazy holographic professor who ate sticky, sparkly-green, Christmas tree marshmallows! And before I knew it my fingers were on fire with the story of Believe.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure it’s unusual in the writing world, but I always have a pad and pencil in my bag for when random inspiration hits. And, I have at least three pads by my bed to note down all my crazy dreams.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Funnily enough, I don’t actually read the genre I write. I’m a big James Patterson fan and love Martina Cole, whose crimes cover the area where I am from. I hope I have been able to take how beautifully these authors lead you on a journey through the plot twists and turns and replicated it within a Middle-Grade novel.
I am a massive Disney fan also and loved JM Barrie’s Peter Pan, which is why you will see links to my favourite Disney films within, Believe. I am also a hopeless romantic and love Danielle Steel, so I love to add a little unrequited love into my stories.
When I was younger, I read almost all the Virginia Andrews books I could I find. I don’t think you can beat the Flowers in the Attic series.
What are you working on now?
I have just finished the second book in the Believe series, which is just going through the rigors of editing. I am yet to settle on a title yet, I am torn between two ideas. These two titles fill my thoughts all day long.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m fairly new to book promotion. I’ve found the obvious social media sites, Twitter, Insta, and Facebook great platforms. But this takes up so much time in your day, that it sometimes leaves you no time for your writing.
Word of mouth is the best promotion, but this takes time. As does building up your reviews, but whenever I get a new review, I make sure I share it far and wide.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t trust friends to edit your book! While they mean well, and they are great sounding boards for plot and story, they tend to think they are being kind when they don’t point out mistakes or typos. This has been very costly for me and a massive learning curve. Save up and get a professional.
Oh, and never stop learning, learn everything you can from all the authors out there, it will always make you better.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Always treat people how you wish to be treated yourself.
What are you reading now?
James Patterson & James O.Born’s The Russian
What’s next for you as a writer?
Published the next book in the Believe series and explore an idea I’ve had for an adult thriller whilst I think about whether to write the next in the Believe series or do the prequel.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Martina Cole’s, The Lady Killer.
Virginia Andrews, Flowers in the Attic
Danielle Steels, The Ring.
Author Websites and Profiles
Angie Bailey’s Social Media Links