Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an author who has worked as an editor, researcher and proof-reader. I read English and American Literature at the University of Kent at Canterbury, and gained a Masters in The Modern Movement. Finding Verity is my debut novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Finding Verity was inspired by the experiences of my friends. We had all raised families together and as our children grew and flew the nest, we were left wondering – about where the past twenty years had gone and what we were going to do next – and about our marriages…
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
In some respects, I am a very organised writer! I plan out my novel and keep a folder of notes beside me as I write. But I also find that ideas come to me in the middle of the night or as I am driving my car, and I know that I have to note them down before I lose them! ( I keep a notebook by the bed and have been known to park my car mid-journey.) My second novel ‘came to me’ complete – I knew the heroine, what she did, what she was like and what she faced. I knew everything about her, and my job at the moment, is simply to tell her story the best way I can.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Thousands of books have influenced me – I think we take a little something from everything we read! My favourite authors include Jane Austen, Barbara Kingsolver, Anita Shreve, Mary Wesley… I could go on, there are so many! I read a lot of poetry too and adore the work of Mary Oliver and WB Yeats.
What are you working on now?
I am working on my second novel which is a story about a bright and brilliant young woman who faces the ultimate tragedy. It is a tale of loss, courage and survival and is set in Oxford, England and in Sweden, both places I know well. I love this brave person’s story, and just want to spend all my time on it!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
To be honest, I’m not great at promoting my book. I use the KDP free promotion opportunities – where can you offer your novel free for a period of five days in every three months – and approach two or three websites like Awesome Gang with each promotion to see whether I can get featured. It’s a bit hit-and-miss but I was very fortunate recently as Finding Verity was featured on a few sites and made the UK Amazon bestseller list!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
When you have completed a decent draft of your novel, find a good editor. You really can’t go it alone – no matter how good you are.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That if you don’t fall in love with your story, how can you expect anybody else to! I can’t remember where I read that but it’s so true. We have to engage one hundred percent with our stories. I often cry when my characters are going through a hard time – I know it sounds mad, but it’s true!
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading a volume of Hafiz’s poetry called The Gift. I am a big fan of the Sufi poets – including the better known Rumi. Hafiz always makes me laugh!
What’s next for you as a writer?
To publish my second novel, hopefully in 2019. And then to begin the third… Finding Verity has done so much better than I ever dreamed and has really encouraged me!
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?
The Complete Works of Shakespeare
Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman
An Imaginative Experience by Mary Wesley
The Subject Tonight is Love: 60 Wild and Sweet Poems by Hafiz
Author Websites and Profiles
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