Top Retellings of Classic Tales

Ask the Author: Sarah E. England

“Father of Lies - a supernatural horror novel - launched this week, and I'll be happy to answer any questions about it.... ” Sarah E. England

Answered Questions (13)

Sort By:
Loading big
An error occurred while sorting questions for author Sarah E. England.
Ms. England! Thank you so much for writing the 'Father of Lies' trilogy. I could write ten page review about how much I loved it! I did want to know what kind of books inspire you to write such amazingly scary books? Stephen King couldn't scare be if he dressed like a clown, with a knife, and waited outside my house to kill me, but your words did the trick! :)
Sarah E. England Hi Jeff ! By pure chance I came onto goodreads to post about a cover reveal and found your question. Am so sorry it's been 16 days... but I hardly every visit goodreads. First of all, thank you very much indeed for your kind comments - I am thrilled to bits you enjoyed the trilogy. And actually I agree with you re Stephen King, but I think perhaps he appeals largely to a younger readership. I found James Herbert more frightening, and M R James' short stories. I also found Susan Hill's 'The Woman in Black' pretty scary, too. In short, I find creepy, atmospheric novels that crawl under your skin and fire a fear of the unknown, far more frightening than anything fantastical or full of monsters. What inspires me to write scary stuff? A lifelong fascination with the occult, a background in nursing and psychiatry, and a chance meeting with someone who suffered ritual satanic abuse.... It all started from there and now I can't stop! I am also convinced that most psychiatric conditions are not medical but spiritual, and it looks as though some eminent psychiatrists are finally writing papers about this and coming around to that way of thinking! In other words - this stuff is real and hence why it's so damn scary. Anyway, thank you again.. I hope you enjoy some of the others. The Owlmen is an off-shoot from the trilogy and delves into traditional dark witchcraft, as does The Soprano. Hidden Company covers psychiatry again, as it's set in an asylum in the Victorian age, but also delves into a different area of the occult - that of the fae and the folklore surrounding them. Monkspike will be out for Halloween and is probably the darkest yet.. basically demonolatry, so I can only write this one in daylight hours.. serious! Kindest wishes, Sarah :)
flag
Hi! I wonder if there will be more books about the people and events in the Father of lies trilogy - there are still so many things I wonder about and questions. I know it's a trilogy but maybe a second series trilogy? I just love it so much, you do great work!
Sarah E. England HI Victoria! Sorry for the delayed response - I hardly ever visit goodreads. I have just released a stand-alone supernatural horror, novel - The Soprano; and the one after this will also be a stand-alone supernatural horror. However, I do want to come back to the Father of Lies characters and storyline and am planning an off-shoot from the series. I am so happy you liked the books and thank you for your wonderful comments. A lot of readers want more from the trilogy so yes, is the answer... I'm on it! Kindest wishes, Sarah England
flag
Who is your favorite fictional couple, and why?
Sarah E. England Hi! From Wuthering Heights, I'd say Heathcliffe and Cathy - because of all that unspent passion, all the misunderstandings and confusion, all the things they never said...wow, what a cocktail! Superb stuff.
flag
Hi Sarah, do you happen to know when Magda will be released in audio version? I saw Jan 3rd, but wanted to check with you. Almost done with Tanners Dell and eager to start the next...:)
Sarah E. England Hi Stephanie!
Sorry, I only just got onto goodreads after a few days off... the answer to your question, though, is yes - Magda is out now I believe! It's available for download on amazon and is on the tantor site. I love the new cover but haven't heard it narrated yet... really hope you like it! Kindest wishes and Happy New Year!
flag
Hi Sarah! Loved the book!!! When is the next one coming out..? can't wait. Cheers- Patty
Sarah E. England HI Patty - so so thrilled you enjoyed it! The sequel - Tanners Dell - is imminent - the official launch date is Sunday 29th May - just about to post the launch party details on here. However, it should be up on kindle by 25th/26th and hopefully the paperback will be ready by the launch. Personally I think the sequel is a lot more scary... I hope you enjoy it and thanks so much for your kind comments!
flag
Sarah, what would you say has been your biggest hurdle to date with your writing? x
Sarah E. England Hi Heather! Thank you for your question, and I 'm trying to think of what would be the biggest hurdle because there have been quite a few. I think in the early days, when I first started writing short stories for magazines, it was about getting a good enough standard of writing to be published. The day I got my first ever acceptance was one of the most amazing days of my life...I couldn't stop smiling, so I guess that was the first major hurdle because it gave me some self belief. If I had to say what the hurdle was during that process, I'd have to say it was accepting critique and continually going back to the drawing board until I got it right. And I would still stand by that maxim today, twelve years on - accepting constructive criticism when it comes to something you've put your heart and soul into, isn't easy - and you have to have an eye on who gave it to you, of course - but it's very important. Ok - I'll go with that as the biggest one! Critique... ouch! :)
flag
Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?
Sarah E. England Oh this is a long answer - it all came together really after I met a lady with what used to be called multiple personality disorder. I'd already spent years in psychiatric nursing and medical sales, and had an unhealthy interest in the occult and the supernatural... soon enough FOL began to take shape....
flag
How do you get inspired to write?
Sarah E. England I always wanted to write.
flag
What are you currently working on?
Sarah E. England I have just finished and launched 'Father of Lies' - a supernatural horror novel - on my own label, EchoWords, which I have also just finished setting up! I also transferred both of my existing books onto EchoWords and now... well now it's onto magazine serials again until I do a sequel.
flag
What’s your advice for aspiring writers?
Sarah E. England Read the best authors in your genre and take as much advice and constructive help as you can.
flag
What’s the best thing about being a writer?
Sarah E. England Creating your own world and making something out of nothing - it wasn't there before, but now it is! MAGIC!
flag
How do you deal with writer’s block?
Sarah E. England I refer to notes made previously or just let my mind wander along the subject pathway I want to follow... answers often come in the middle of the night. If the answers don't come I do other things or read like mad.....
flag
Sarah... Do you think you're more vulnerable in your writing or in your personal life? What obstacles to vulnerability are there for you in either of those areas? And why do you think you're able to be more open in one area than in the other?
Sarah E. England I don't think I am at all vulnerable in my writing, Jason, because it's all fictional and in my head. Although harsh criticism can hurt me badly. I am vulnerable as a person because I'm one of those ridiculous people-pleasers and it's hard for me to be firm with people and say what I do and don't want in my life. I like being behind the scenes, in summary, because that's where I am in control....
flag
Sarah E. England
264 followers
To ask Sarah E. England a question, please sign up.

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more