Interview With Author Fay Bloor
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m 27 and work for a funeral directors in Derby, running bereavement support groups, programmes and counselling sessions, as well as training for professionals. I’ve written two books so far, both about grief.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Missing You, and is the grown-up version of my first book, Missing Someone Special.
Missing You is a grief activity book, focused on helping readers to understand their loss and the feelings around it, containing prompts and information to encourage the processing of their grief.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so, if I get ‘stuck’ on how to word something I tend to lose 15 minutes or more daydreaming out of the window, but I imagine that’s pretty common.
I’m definitely a fidget when I write, always switching how I’m sat and sitting on my legs.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dr Bill Webster has definitely been an influence in my work, I love his straight forward and honest approach to grief and loss.
I thought the Harry Potter books covered the various emotions of grief very well, the sudden upsurges of anger and bitterness towards others that aren’t grieving are elements not often talked about, so I was impressed that these were included.
What are you working on now?
Missing You comes out (hopefully) in November, so I’m currently just running through final proofs and making sure it’s all ready to go. I’ve also recently written a 30 day online grief programme, so that’s currently being proofed and we’re trying to work out the technical aspects of that. It’s a busy but exciting time!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve honestly found that word of mouth has worked wonders for book sales, but LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook are also really important tools.
I’ve also found that writing articles for magazines relevant to your target audience helpful to get word out.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep going with it all, keep pushing it even if it’s a bit soul destroying at times. Facebook forums for authors are great to join as you can help support each other through everything.
Also, the internet is your best friend for finding out various ways to market your book and free ‘how to’ guides for pretty much everything.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
‘Trust the process’ it may sound wishy washy, but keep believing it will eventually happen and working towards that aim and it will.
What are you reading now?
My reading habits really do not reflect my writing, I like to be lost in a fantasy or a classic.
I’m currently reading The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien, I’ve loved the films since I was quite young but have never gotten around to reading it before. I’m not far in, they’re only just leaving the Shire, but already there have been some exciting moments!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve yet to decide what’s next, I have a couple of ideas for new activity books and a vague idea for a ‘normal’ book so it all depends which I can find most inspiration for next.
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?
What a tricky question!
The first would definitely have to be Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. It’s a comfort blanket to me as I remember being taken to see the film when I was about 6 and loving the magic. I find the nostalgia comforting and to this day if I can’t sleep or I’m stressed I’ll put the audio book on, or disappear behind the pages.
The second book I’d take would have to be a Daphne Du Maurier novel, but choosing which one would be tricky. Maybe Frenchman’s Creek as it’s a lovely, light hearted adventure.
The third book I’d take would be The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien. It’s gripping, so easy to get lost in and always leaves me feeling somewhat cosy.
The final book would have to be Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, just to make being stranded on the desert island feel all the more interesting.
Author Websites and Profiles
Fay Bloor’s Social Media Links
Author Interview Series
To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!
If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.
If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.