Kay Seeley

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an author of two novels set in Victorian England. The Water Gypsy and The Watercress Girls both chart the differences between extreme wealth and grinding poverty in nineteenth century England. The heroines battle hypocrisy, prejudice and injustice but find love and a happy ending. Both been chosen as finalists in The Wishing Shelf Awards.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Watercress Girls was inspired by reading about the street sellers of watercress in nineteenth century England, usually girls aged between five and fourteen. I wanted to show how the poor were treated and the lack of opportunities for girls and women in Victorian times. I also wanted to give them a happy ending and an improved chance in life.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write by hand and edit as I type my stories up. I also often write in coffee bars, cafes or teashops where I find I can concentrate better.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been influenced by the writing of Victorian authors such as Dickens and Trollope, but also by contemporary writers like William Nicholson, Carole Matthews, Lee Childs and James Paterson. Everyone loves a mystery and I enjoy all genres of books.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on short stories for women’s magazines, but also thinking about the next novel while promoting the current ones. Life gets very busy.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My books are all in Kindle Select and I regularly do Kindle Countdown promotions when my books can be offered at low prices for short periods. Putting these promotions on sites like Awesomegang helps promote them.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you want to write and on’t let anyone put you off. Ignore the negative comments and focus on the positive and never give up. The only people who fail are those who never try.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Believe in yourself and get a good editor.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying by Marie Kondo. I’m hoping to be inspired and transform my home and become more efficient.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Next is doing more of the same. More research, more promotion, more writing. Definitely more writing.

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?
Mayhew’s London Labour and the London Poor, Liza Picards Victorian London and anything by A N Wilson. Also some romances by Barbara Cartland, Barbara Bradford Taylor or Catherine Cookson.

Author Websites and Profiles
Kay Seeley Website
Kay Seeley Amazon Profile

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