Interview With Author Hilary Coombes
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write contemporary women’s fiction and my latest book ‘SIBLINGS: Kit’s Story’ is my fifth book. My readers enjoy romantic fiction with a gritty twist and along the way I promise to pull heart strings and bring smiles. ‘SIBLINGS: Kit’s Story’ is the first in the Siblings trilogy, drawing on my experience as an adoptee and an ocean crossing from Southampton to New York on the Cunard line.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It is called SIBLINGS Kit’s Story.
It is about a young woman called Kit who said she was fine. She lied.
She said she didn’t care. She cared deeply.
Kit’s story is one of control, deception, infertility and guilt, but most of all it’s one of a young woman who longs to be loved. Her life is dominated first by her alcoholic mother, and then by Tom, her controlling partner. When his abusive behaviour comes to a head, she escapes the relationship, and takes her first tentative steps towards becoming a stronger woman.
A journey on a luxurious cruise liner is going to be one of the most challenging of her life, but whether it has a happy ending or not depends on how brave Kit can be and whether she can shake off the shackles of her past.
For Kit, there is everything to play for, but time is running out…
The inspiration for this book was my own life (although the book is fiction I dip into the feelings of an adoptee finding their birth mother aged 50.) I’ve wanted to write this book for ten years but have only just become brave enough.
It also mirrors an adventure I had on an ocean cruise ship.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I read in the middle of the night as I need the house to be quiet to enjoy a good book. I also write in the middle of the night … this explains why I can be tired in the middle of the day!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I enjoy reading John Wyndham (pure escapism). John Steinbeck (oh to have his confidence). A.A. Milne (as a child and then as an adult) … who could resist his inspirational quotes, such as “Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
There are so many other wonderful authors, far too many to name them all.
What are you working on now?
SIBLINGS : Emma’s Story. The second book in the SIBLINGS trilogy. I’m aiming that the stories will be able to read separately although they are linked.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Pay the professionals unless you’re a wiz at promotions and marketing.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
NEVER doubt your ability to write and always always always edit every book at least three times (SIBLINGS Kit’s Story was edited ten times!)
What are you reading now?
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris. It’s a touching and redemptive tale of love and selflessness and it’s based on the true story of Lala Sokolov.
What’s next for you as a writer?
The third book in the SIBLINGS trilogy, then I might develop the writing of children’s books. I have written three in the past, never tried to publish them yet so they’re all in the cupboard waiting that all important editing stage.
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?
When we were very young. A.A. Milne. (it will take me back to my childhood)
Me Before You. JoJo Moyes. (this book will stop me thinking I’m unfortunate to be stranded)
For Whom the Bell Tolls. Ernest Hemingway (Hemingway loved Spain as much as I do, this book will remind me).
Complete poems of Philip Larkin. It seems you either love or hate him. I love his poems rather than novels.
Author Websites and Profiles
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.