Roger Bray's Blog, page 6

Imogen Matthews

I am really happy today to be talking to Imogen Matthews who lives in the beautiful University town of Oxford. Before she wrote The Hidden Village, she published two romantic fiction e-novels under her pen name, Alex Johnson. The Hidden Village is published by Amsterdam Publishers, based in the Netherlands.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Writing has been a big part of my life for a long time, both in my career as a journalist, report writer and as a novelist. I’ve self published my first contemporary fiction novels under my pen name, Alex Johnson, which draw on my experiences working in the beauty and perfume industry. I love taking different aspects of people I’ve met along the way and creating characters that hopefully are not too recognisable!

My historical fiction novel, The Hidden Village, was a new genre for me and I knew I wanted to have it published under my real name. That dream came true for me a year ago when I signed with Amsterdam Publishers who have been instrumental in turning the book into an international Amazon bestseller.

Do you plot your stories or do you write and see where it takes you?

When I’m working on articles and reports I’m incredibly disciplined and know exactly how to plan out what I’m going to write. It’s much easier if you write to a template, but if I were to do the same when writing novels, they’d be a disaster.

I usually start with the germ of an idea and perhaps I’ll scribble out a few notes on the characters and episodes I want to include. Then I’ll plunge in and let the writing and characters guide me through the story. It’s a wonderful thing when my writing takes me off in a different direction I hadn’t first thought of, though I’m careful to rein in anything I think really won’t work. I’ve learnt that all that matters is to get the first draft down. It doesn’t matter if it’s not right – it won’t be, but that’s when it gets really interesting, piecing together the jigsaw through editing, cutting and embellishments to turn it into a narrative that takes the reader (and me!) on a journey.

What is the best part about writing, and the worst?

When it’s going well, there’s nothing like it and the ideas and words just flow onto the page. Inevitably, I’ll hit a difficult patch which can be so frustrating. I try to solve the problem as I go along, but sometimes it’s best to leave it to one side and move onto a new chapter. I sometimes wish I could be one of those people who can churn out one or more novels a year, but I need time to let the story develop and move along at its own pace.

I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Tell us about your novel “The Hidden Village”

The Hidden Village is a novel based on a forgotten part of history that took place in Holland during World War 2. The village itself was buried away deep in the Veluwe woods far from prying eyes, but so too was this story, which I’ve felt compelled to bring to light.

The idea for The Hidden Village came from one of my frequent cycling holidays in the Veluwe woods in Holland. A few years back, I was cycling with my husband along one of our usual routes when I spotted something I hadn’t seen before in all the 20 years we’d been visiting. It was a memorial stone at the side of the cycle path dedicated to the local community who had pulled together and helped create a village for Jews and other refugees from the Germans who occupied Holland in World War 2. We went on foot into the woods to investigate and came upon three underground huts, reconstructions of the dwellings that had stood on that spot. The huts were almost invisible with their roofs covered in bracken and branches. Inside they were dark and cramped. It was hard to imagine how families and strangers shared this space for months on end. I came away with my skin tingling at the realisation of what these huts represented.

Back home, I went online to search for information and found very little. Eventually, I tracked down a bookwritten by a Dutchman in 1975, called Het Verscholen Dorp (transl. The Hidden Village). It contained detailed descriptions of events leading to the founding of the village, along with pictorial diagrams, interviews with people who had survived, relatives and others living in the area who were able to throw light on events.

It took me nearly nine months to work my way through this book with the help of Google translate. During this time I began to formulate my ideas for a novel and the fictional characters based on people living there at the time.

I also had another source of inspiration – my Dutch mother, who had lived through the German occupation and suffered terribly during the Hunger Winter, facing near starvation. Despite the hardships, she often used to recount thrilling and extraordinary stories of what it was like to be a young woman living during the war and these provided important and historical authenticity to my writing.

For this reason, my main characters are young people as I wanted to explore how they coped with the constant fear and danger of war and how it affected their friendships and loves, as well as the excitement in being caught up in a real life adventure.

What are you currently working on? How long before release?

The story of the hidden village resonated so strongly with me that my next book picks up in this same place but with new characters who have moved centre stage. The story is moving towards its conclusion and will need a lot of tweaking and editing. The publication date is scheduled for early 2019.

What are you currently reading?

I’m a great fan of Anita Shreve who is one of my favourite authors. I’m reading one of her early books, A Change of Altitude. Once again, I’m struck by the effectiveness of her use of spare language -she uses half a dozen words where other authors write pages. Whenever I read one of her books, I find my own writing seems to become more fluid.

Which authors and novels would you recommend?

Naturally, Anita Shreve. I also greatly admire Rose Tremain who is a great story teller and has the ability to write in different genres and characters as if she were that person living that life.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

If you love writing, do it and don’t worry about getting published. You’ll know how committed you are when you start to plan your life around your writing rather than making excuses for not having the time to write. In order to get there, set aside a little time every day -even 15 minutes – and you will be amazed by how the words build up into chapters and eventually a novel.

How important do you think social media is for an author?

It’s really vital these days because authors are part of an intensely competitive marketplace with thousands upon thousands of new releases every year. There are no right or wrong answers, but if you find a platform you enjoy using (eg Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest), focus on that. In my experience, don’t try to take on too much, as it can be incredibly distracting and not particularly useful in building awareness for your book.

Book bloggers are a godsend and can be invaluable allies to authors. Writing is a solitary business, but having someone who offers support and encouragement is wonderful. I was fortunate to meet Jessie Cahalin (@BooksinHandbag) on Twitter just over a year ago as she was starting up her book blog. She’s been a terrific support to me and I very much enjoy engaging with her and her own writing as well as the many interesting and varied authors on her site.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing, marketing, or being involved with your book business? Do you have any hobbies?

I love running and am an active member of my local running club. It’s helped me keep fit and stay sane and a great contrast to sitting at the computer. I’ve recently got into our local Saturday morning Park Runs with my husband (who got me into running in the first place) which are sociable and a great way for people of all ages (and even dogs) to keep fit. I also do a yoga class twice a week and love to go on yoga holidays – but that doesn’t happen very often. All this exercise leaves me hungry, so I like to get into the kitchen and cook – I’m currently obsessed with Middle Eastern cookery and have a bookshelf of dedicated books.

The Hidden Village

Since publication in May 2017, The Hidden Village has been riding high in the Amazon charts where it has achieved best seller status in the US and UK. It also has a strong following in Australia and Canada. The Hidden Village is available as an ebook and paperback and can be read for free on the Kindle Unlimited scheme.

You can find Imogen's best-selling book and audible version on Amazon

You can catch up with and contact Imogen with the buttons below.

Facebook






Twitter

The post Imogen Matthews appeared first on Roger Bray.

Susan Hampson

Hi and welcome to Meet the bloggers. Take a seat, yes right there on the lounge and before we begin we’ll just make sure that you’re nice and comfy. Here, let me adjust that cushion for you, is that better? What can I get you wine, beer, spirit, coffee, tea? You name it I’ll get it. Ah, ok here we go…………

Hi Roger it is so lovely to be here with you and Annette, how very kind, it feels quite home from home. I would love a cuppa tea, white, no sugar please but you have whatever you fancy too.

First let me say how wonderful you look and thanks for agreeing to be interviewed. Ready? OK then……

Thank you.

Can you tell us about yourself please

Well I am 61, been married three times but not with anyone now, (it’s so much cheaper just to buy wedding cake!). I have 5 grown up children 3 boys and 2 girls and my tenth grandchild is due in October. I work for a well-known chain of supermarkets, Tesco where I simply fill the shelves. It really is a pretty pressured job but time flies.

How did you become involved in book blogging?

Through TBConFB I discovered just how important reviewing was, then after a little while my friend Joanne Robertson and Author Robin Roughley encouraged me to begin blogging. After a week I still had my two faithful followers, Joanne and Robin, then it grew.

What is the best thing about blogging? What is the worst thing?

The best thing is it has even at my age given me confidence to travel on my own to meetings and events and improve my reviews, I hope. The worst thing is it can take over my life as it is so hard to turn people down when they ask me to review their book. The other hard thing is if I don’t gel with their book. I always say it isn’t their book, it is just not for me. We all have different tastes after all.

What is your favourite genre? What genres do you review?

My favourite genre is crime, although I read most genres and like to throw in a little light-hearted reading after a long line of crime books.

How do you go about writing a review?

I normally wait a couple of days then jot down characters and tell it how I feel.

The way you write your reviews is fantastic, have you considered becoming an author?

No not me, I know a lot have and I wish them well. I love doing what I am doing and wouldn’t have time for both and work full time.

What have been some highlights you have had whilst blogging?

I was runner up on the Best Pal Blogger awards in London which I was over the moon about and I still get a kick out of reading a book and finding that I am a character in it, or in the acknowledgements, that is cool.

What type of blogging events do you love and take part in?

I love going to Blogger and Author meet ups. Bloggers are like one big family that rally round for each other. Meeting authors just wowed me, they were like Gods to me but they are some of the most down to earth people that you could meet. The darker they write and the more wicked humour they have. I think it must be how their minds deal with all the dark thoughts for the books.

Any special places blogging has taken you to?

I go off to events all over the place. Harrogate Crime Fest, York Tattooed Bad Boys, Birmingham, Leeds and London blogger, author and reader get togethers. Each is unique.

At the Harrogate crime fest with Rob Ashman and Malcolm Hollingdrake

 

Which author would you most like to meet?

Besides yourself of course, an American author I would love to meet is C. J. Box author of the Joe Pickett series.

(Flattery will get you everywhere. )

What advice would you give to authors wanting to approach you for a review, what would make you more inclined to accept requests etc

Use my name. A little about yourself, your book and just be polite but please remember this is a hobby so don’t hassle me.

Now to some fun questions about you:

Favourite movie: The Family Man

Favourite music: Any except blues and jazz

Favourite food: Chinese

Favourite book: So many favourites, I love series, I get quite attached to characters. Love Lasser (Robin Roughley

Favourite holiday destination: I love Scotland

Pets: None (Wow! I thought having a slightly demented cat was obligatory for bloggers)

Besides books, do you have any other passion/hobbies?

I work out at the gym 5 days per week 2 hours at a time. My favourite is the tread mill. Love my big family too of course.

If you could meet anyone, dead or alive who would that be and why?

My parents, my mum died almost 32 years ago and my dad 25 years ago

What would be your idea of bliss?

I love my life, I am happy with who I am.

Any fun facts/stories you would like to share about yourself?

The name of my blog came about because I could listen to my books while I worked nights at Tesco, everyone else listened to music. Hence the name Books from Dusk Till Dawn (I don’t work nights now).

I had my first son when I was 18

But he was 19 when I had my youngest daughter.

So less years between me and my son then him and his sister.

I only sleep about 4 hours per night

Thank you for inviting me, time for my ovaltine, bed and my kindle.

Thanks for coming Sue.  You can find out more about Sue on her Website on TWITTER or FACEBOOK.

The post Susan Hampson appeared first on Roger Bray.

Lainy Swanson

Today I am talking with Lainy Swanson who describes herself as a self confessed bibliophile with a penchant for calling people Betty! She has a pretty adorable wee cat, you may have noticed her dotted about the site. She is a distraction but Lainy is sure you will agree, pretty cute.

Can you tell us about yourself please

Hey, thanks for having me. I am a Scottish bookworm, love books, bookmarks, snuggling up with my kitty (Miss Princess Trixie) and have a penchant for calling everyone (regardless of sex, human or animal status) Betty!

How did you become involved in book blogging?

So I read loads of books and I found I kept buying books and half way through realising I had already read them. So I started a book blog to keep track of my reviews then folk where commenting, then came authors/publishers offering me books to review. Even seven years later I am still like wow, I have been so lucky to meet so many amazing people and people actually read my gibberings / thoughts on books I have read.

What is the best thing about blogging? What is the worst thing?

The best is the amazing opportunities and people I have “met” both online and in real life. I have been introduced to authors works I may not have otherwise tried, book events ugh just so much really. One of my reviews got quoted in a Jojo Moyes book, still can’t believe that, love her work!

The worst thing – bloggers get such a hard time.

“Real” readers don’t always understand that we are real readers, we don’t get paid, we aren’t biased, we love books and many of us blog for different reasons. We seem to get flack from a lot of corners and some of us stress ourselves out too with pressure/commitments but overall it is one of the best communities.

The main thing I have found with the bloggers I have come across is they give honest reviews, which is the cornerstone of the whole process.  I don’t understand bloggers getting flack for, let’s face it, providing an excellent and worthy service to authors and the whole publishing industry.

What is your favourite genre? What genres do you review?

I love HORROR, I grew up on King. In the last decade I have branched into every genre, there isn’t a book now I won’t give a whurl. I think mostly crime, contemporary fiction (always loved chick lit but some people find that term offensive now so contemporary fiction).

How do you go about writing a review?

All my reviews are different, some I can take weeks to get complete as you love a book so much and don’t want to give away spoilers. I am one of the few bloggers who posts high and low ratings on my blog and sometimes a critical review can be the hardest. Sometimes I take a piccy of a passage as I am reading to remind me I want to comment on it later, sometimes wee notes, other times I can bang it out not long after finishing. It really depends on the book.

The way you write your reviews is fantastic, have you considered becoming an author?

Ha, said no one ever lmao. Don’t get me wrong some folk do enjoy reading my reviews because I just say it how I would if gabbing. For example it had me gasp out loud, or “I read it and was like Oh Dear Lord” whereas so many bloggers are so eloquent in their thoughts. I tend to just go off on one but folk seem to enjoy it. But write a book? Hmm I would love to loose myself in a made up world like Middle Earth or the world of magic. I imagine if I ever wrote a book it would be cathartic cleansing of the monsters that are my family

Stacey Garrity

Hi and welcome to Meet the Bloggers. Today I am talking to Stacey Garrity, founder and wrangler of the review blog Whispering Stories. Stacey has been reading books since she was a small child and often has two or more on the go at once.

After reviewing books on Amazon, Goodreads and Waterstones for years, she thought it was time to put her reviews out there on her own blog.

After months of working alone, she found that her ‘To be Read’ pile was increasing, so now Whispering Stories has a team of reviewers – hence the wrangling.

Can you tell us about yourself please

Hi, I’m Stacey, forty-years-old and married to Steve. We have three boys aged 21, 15 and 12 and live in Manchester. I run Whispering Stories Book

Blog with my trusted team of reviewers. I am also a patient representative for the Manchester area for a charity called PIDUK (Primary Immunodeficiency UK), as my youngest son has a rare genetic life-threatening incurable illness called X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia, which roughly affects 4 in every 1,000,000 children born. He is alive thanks to the replacement immunoglobulin therapy treatment he has twice a week, made up of the white blood cells from donors. As well as my youngest son’s illness our 15-year-old is also Autistic, so I have my hands full.

How did you become involved in book blogging?

It all came about in 2015. After years of reading and writing my reviews on Amazon I decided to start a blog, with a bit of a push from the hubby. He bought the website domain for me as a valentines gift. The first posts went live in the 15th February 2015.

What is the best thing about blogging? What is the worst thing?

Best – Meeting other bloggers and authors. There is a real community in book blogging. Plus I get to read some fab books that I most likely would of overlooked had I not been asked to read them. The free books are also a bonus.

Worst – Gosh this is a hard one. I think possibly the length of time I spend online somedays. I’ve also met a few not very nice bloggers who have the mentality that blogging should only be for those that are teens/twenties, single and no kids, and that I shouldn’t be blogging at my age.

What is your favourite genre? What genres do you review?

Not sure on favourite, but I like thrillers, psychologicals, crime books, chick lit, humour, dystopian, YA (Yes I know I’m not the right age). It’s probably better for me to tell you what we don’t review:

Self-Help

Biography

Medical

Religious

Erotic

 

How do you go about writing a review?

I tend to write my reviews in the morning or late at night. I like quietness. I’m a bit weird in that I can’t construct a review in a noisy environment. So if there are people talking, music playing, TV/Games console blaring I can’t write.  The other morning I got part way through writing one and someone started using an Angle Grinder outside at 8am – Well that was it, I had to give up as my brain stopped working!

The way you write your reviews is fantastic, have you considered becoming an author?

Yes and no. I did a creative writing course a few years ago but decided it wasn’t for me. My hubby seems to think I should give it a go, but I’m useless at coming up with plots – plus, I’m not sure how well I would write with how hard I find writing reviews.

What have been some highlights you have had whilst blogging?

I’ve been to some fab events and met lots of wonderful authors, including Irvine Welsh (Trainspotting). I have also had the pleasure of seeing my words on the front cover of some books, or inside the cover. I’ve also been named in a book too as a character.

Stacey and Irvine Welsh

What type of blogging events do you love and take part in?

I don’t really take part in many blogging events. Even with living in Manchester there aren’t many local book events (except for book signings in shops). I did attend a few new author events earlier in the year and I’ve one scheduled in for October, although that is down south.

Any special places blogging has taken you to?

I partied in a London park a few years ago with the likes of Michele Gorman, Fionnuala Kearney, and Kerry Fisher to name but a few.

Stacey, Fionnula and Kerry.

 

Which author would you most like to meet?

This is tough – I would probably say either Cassandra Clare, Jennifer L Armentrout, Veronica Roth, or Janet Evanovich. Mainly because it was through their books that I got back into reading after I stopped for a while a few years ago.

What advice would you give to authors wanting to approach you for a review, what would make you more inclined to accept requests etc

The key is to read the review policy before contacting us. If they follow the instructions that we have set out and call me by my name, then they have a better chance than those that come via Amazon etc and don’t even know my name.

 

Now to some fun questions about you:

Favourite movie: Top Gun or Scrooged – I could watch both of them over and over again.

Favourite music: I’m quite varied when it comes to music. I like songs rather than music

style. On my iPhone you will find a complete mixture of artists from Marvin Gaye to Jay Z. Linkin Park to Queen. Guns ‘N’ Roses to Muse. I love lots of era’s and styles.

Favourite food:

Has to be Chicken Madras – I’ve eaten it every Saturday night since I was a child. That is our Saturday night takeaway.

Doing it tough in NYC.

Favourite book: Another tough question as I adore lots. The books I have read the most times are ‘The Snow Child’, ‘Jane Eyre’ and ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ (brilliant on stage if you ever get to watch it)

Favourite holiday destination: I’m toying between somewhere hot, like the Canaries Isles – We tend to go yearly. New York, I could live there, but I wouldn’t want to bring my children up in the city, or, Florida, for the parks – I love Epcot and Universal.

Pets: We have two pet rats called Chilli and Lime – My youngest son’s choice.

Chilli and Lime – I’m not sure how my sub-editor would take to them though.

Besides books, do you have any other passion/hobbies?

Not really. I watch rubbish TV (So I’m told) Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Big Bang, Agents of Shield, S.W.A.T etc. I also collect things – apparently I have to add what I collect to the fun fact section, says my hubby.  I used to do a lot of genealogy, but not so much these days. I’ve got my families history back hundreds of years and all over Europe on my maternal Great Grandmother’s side (I’ve even found royalty).  My dad’s side I can’t get back any further than the 1800s and we’re still in Manchester.

If you could meet anyone, dead or alive who would that be and why?

I’m not really a big fan of actors, actresses, musicians, as I just see them as doing a job and they get paid very well for it, so I don’t do starstruck or fandom etc. I would probably have to say someone like Queen Victoria or Florence Nightingale. Someone who made history.

What would be your idea of bliss?

I don’t really know. I suppose getting time to myself – but then when I do I miss people being around. Probably something boring like a massage or pedicure.  Even just settling down with a good book and not being disturbed.

Any fun facts/stories you would like to share about yourself:

For those wondering!

Apparently my hubby finds it funny that I collect Pop Funkos. Above my desk I have six shelves filled with Harry Potter ones. Currently there are 50 in total, plus the books, lego figures, and other knick knacks.

I have two glass cabinets full of ‘collectibles’ so no negatives from me!

The first time my hubby kissed me I fainted. In my defence I did have a bad neck and he touched my neck and that’s what made me faint, although he’ll tell you I went weak at the knees.

I’m the queen of useless information and I’m forever coming out with random facts, much to the annoyance of others!

 

Thanks Stacey for taking the time to answer my questions.  You can find out more about Stacey and her team of excellent reviewers on her website, on FACEBOOK and TWITTER

The post Stacey Garrity appeared first on Roger Bray.

Sharon Bairden

Hi, and a big welcome today to Sharon Bairden, a Scottish Blogger with a particular interest and love of Scottish Crime Fiction. She tells us she reads daily and on average devours 2/3 books per week (more if time permits). In particular she loves Crime/thrillers/police procedurals and especially Scottish Crime Fiction. She started her Blog to store her reviews and thoughts on the books that she love, and as a way to offer support to all the fantastic authors out there 

Welcome to Meet the Bloggers Sharon and thanks for taking some time from your busy schedule to take part in this.  I must say how much I enjoy your blog and reviews.

Can you tell us about yourself please

Why thank you for the compliment! My name is Sharon and I live just outside of Glasgow. I’m an obsessive compulsive reader and a wee bit of an author stalker! When I’m not reading and stalking, I’m the manager of an independent Advocacy service where we work alongside individuals to support them to have their voices heard and to be involved in decisions about their lives.

How did you become involved in book blogging?

I became involved in blogging through getting to know other readers and bloggers on Facebook groups. Initially I was just looking for a platform to store my reviews of books, it took me ages to pluck up the courage to actually share the reviews with others! I thought they would laugh at me!!

What is the best thing about blogging? What is the worst thing?

The best thing is everything! Seriously though the best thing is the book world community! I’ve made so many new friends through blogging! Also I’ve had the chance to host author panels in Waterstones and at Book Festivals, it really has opened up a whole new world to me! The worst thing is not having 48 hours in a day! I feel bad when I have to turn down Book review requests but seriously there is nothing I’d say was ‘bad’ about blogging!

What is your favourite genre? What genres do you review?

Easy, crime fiction and psychological thrillers and especially Scottish crime fiction!

How do you go about writing a review?

I usually jot down some key points as I read and I always draft up my review as soon as I have finished the book. I like to talk about how a book made me feel, the character and the sense of place. I don’t Promise literary style reviews but rather ones that come from my heart! The biggest buzz I get is if someone buys a book on the back of my review! It’s all about sharing the book love!

The way you write your reviews is fantastic, have you considered becoming an author?

I’m dabbling and that’s all I’m saying!

What have been some highlights you have had whilst blogging?

Hosting a panel at Bloody Scotland and Bute Noir as well as interviewing authors in Waterstones; being a bookseller for a day, interviewing Bob McDevitt (Bloody Scotland Director) Meeting all the bloggers I’ve got to know online in person and building up some great friendships! And one of my biggest kicks is when Lin Anderson comes over and says hello to me at events (I’ve stalked the woman endlessly!)

What type of blogging events do you love and take part in?

I love going to real time meet ups, taking part in blog tours and cover reveals and anything really that shares the love of books!

Any special places blogging has taken you to?

All the book festivals I attend but a special place in my heart for Bloody Scotland and Bute Noir

Which author would you most like to meet?

I would have loved to have met William McIlvanney, the godfather of Tartan Noir

What advice would you give to authors wanting to approach you for a review, what would make you more inclined to accept requests etc

Make your approach personal, Dear Blogger doesn’t really do it for me! Don’t ask me to read stuff that is in the list of genres I don’t read – I can promise you – I won’t love it just because you say I will! Don’t bitch about other bloggers, it’s a small world and it will come back to bite you!

Now to some fun questions about you:

Favourite movie: The Shining – I still can’t watch it on my own though!

Favourite music: Echo and The Bunnymen and The Cure – my goth days never left me.

Favourite food: Italian

Favourite book: You can’t ask me that, it’s like asking who my favourite child is!

Favourite holiday destination: Anywhere there is a book festival!

Pets: I have one dog, a golden lab called Cooper and 2 cats, Phoebe and Belle

Besides books, do you have any other passion/hobbies?

Eh books, books and books! I’m pretty passionate about human rights and breaking down the stigma of mental health too though!

If you could meet anyone, dead or alive who would that be and why?

Going to be soppy here and say my dad, he instilled my love of reading and books and I’d love to be able to sit down and show him where it has taken me!

What would be your idea of bliss?

A lottery win to allow me to buy a Retreat for bloggers, authors and bookish people to chill!

Any fun facts/stories you would like to share about yourself

I’ve walked over broken glass and burning coals to raise money for charity – that’s about as exciting as it gets really!

You can catch up with Sharon on TWITTER and FACEBOOK  and read her excellent reviews on her website.

The post Sharon Bairden appeared first on Roger Bray.

Anne Cater

 

Hi and welcome to Meet the Bloggers. Today I have Anne Cater in for a chat, take a seat, yes right there on the lounge and before we begin we’ll just make sure that you are nice and comfy. Here, let me adjust that cushion for you, is that better? Now, feet up or down? What can I get you wine, beer, spirit, coffee, tea? You name it I’ll get it. Ah, ok here we go…………

First let me say how wonderful you look and thanks for coming in. Ready? OK then……

Can you tell us about yourself please?

I’m over 50 (!!) and live in Lincolnshire but grew up over the River Trent in a small Nottinghamshire village.

I’m married to Martin and we have two cats; Costa and Nero

I spent most of the last 25 years working for the NHS and various charities. I currently work part time in our local Hospice and also run my own business; organising Blog Tours

How did you become involved in book blogging?

By accident really! My blog; Random Things Through My Letterbox has been on the go for eight years now. I used to review books for the Waterstone’s magazine and NewBooks magazine, and also posted reviews on various book sites. Blogs started to appear and I thought I’d have a go, it seemed a good way of keeping track of the books that I read and also to shout about the books that I love.

What is the best thing about blogging? What is the worst thing?

The best thing is the sense of community within the blogging world. Every now and again, there’s a little spat, but it’s usually from bloggers that I’ve not heard of before. On the whole though we are a friendly bunch who support each other massively. Of course, another great thing is the access to all of those lovely books.

The worst thing is trying to fit in all of the books. I hate letting people down, but it’s just impossible to read everything

What is your favourite genre? What genres do you review?

I’m not sure that I have a favourite genre, although I do love crime fiction and psychological thrillers. I really enjoy contemporary fiction and I’ll review most genres on my blog. I’m really picky about historical fiction though and rarely read anything that’s set before the 1800s. I’m not a fan of erotica, science-fiction, fantasy or westerns and military either

How do you go about writing a review?

I just write what I feel. I don’t take notes, although I do often turn back a page corner if there’s a particular line or phrase that I want to remember.

I don’t spend hours on my reviews either, I just write exactly how the book has made me feel and then check for typos and press publish!

The way you write your reviews is fantastic, have you considered becoming an author?

No! I honestly don’t have a story in me. I’m more than happy to write about other people’s books but I have no imagination at all

What have been some highlights you have had whilst blogging?

Meeting some amazing people, especially authors who I’ve looked up to for years. Being shortlisted for the UK Blog Awards Art & Culture category two years in a row was a huge honour. Book blogs are rarely represented at these awards as we don’t do this to make a living, so being in the same room as some of the biggest bloggers in the UK was amazing.

Being approached by the Daily Express to review for their Books on Friday feature was also really amazing, and I get excited every time I see my name in print!

What type of blogging events do you love and take part in?

I do love a book event! There are such a wide variety of events open to readers these days and I enjoy lots of these. I have a special affection for the Theakston’s Crime Writers Festival, held every July in Harrogate – it’s such a fun and informal affair and a chance to catch up with so many people. I often attend book launches and these can be held in various locations and take on different forms, but are always a fabulous celebration of writing.

I attend Library events and special publisher events too – anything that includes books and authors is fine for me!

Any special places blogging has taken you to?

I’ve been lucky enough to attend events in some amazing places but I think the event for the film edition of Murder on the Orient Express was the most exciting. It was held on the actual Orient Express, at St Pancras and we were in the company of Agatha Christie’s great grandson. It really was a fabulous day, and one that I’ll always remember.

Which author would you most like to meet?

I’ve been so lucky and met most of my favourite authors over the years. However, I’d love to meet Lesley Pearse. I’ve been reading her books for years and years and although I’ve been invited to a few of her events, I’ve never been able to attend. One day, I hope.

What advice would you give to authors wanting to approach you for a review, what would make you more inclined to accept requests etc

I like to know about the book; the blurb and cover image helps so much.

A friendly, polite approach is great, especially if it’s personalised and the author actually mentions my blog.

Now to some fun questions about you:

Favourite movie: Mississippi Burning

Favourite music: Rock

Favourite food: Potatoes

Favourite book: Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Favourite holiday destination: Arillas, north west Corfu

Pets: Cats

Besides books, do you have any other passion/hobbies?

Shoes and boots! I enjoy Yoga too although I’m not very bendy!

If you could meet anyone, dead or alive who would that be and why?

Tom Hardy. Why? Just because he’s Tom Hardy!

What would be your idea of bliss?

A whole week of reading with no housework, no social media to check, no work – complete with someone to cook for me.

 

The post Anne Cater appeared first on Roger Bray.

Tayler Macneill

I am happy to be talking today to Tyler Macneill who, before writing her debut novel, mainly wrote poetry which has been published through The American Poet Society. She has also written song lyrics for a few of Paramount’s musicians which is up for grabs in their country catalogue. Currently she is working on four other manuscripts, including the sequel to The Darkest Side of the Moon. She describes herself as a versatile writer with many plans for future books.

Could you tell us about yourself?

Sure, my name is Tayler Macneill. I am 45 and I have 2 kids. I started writing The Darkest Side of the Moon in September 2016, I finished it by January 2017. I have spent the last year and a half dealing with publishers but decided last minute Indie is the way to go. This year I have written and completed The Crack of Evil, which I am proud to say it will be out at the end of August. I love animals, art, books, music and nature.

How long have you been writing?

I started September 2016 but took a year off in between my books. I really missed writing during that time, so I won’t be doing that one again.

Tell us about one of, or your most recent book?

My latest book is The Crack of Evil, this one is a scary one.

Brandy moved to New York three months ago and is living in an apartment with Cindy, Derek and Ben. They are young and life is exciting, things should be easy. Their apartment is old and haunted, leaving it a little on the creepy side. The landlord says it has history and history creates character, but how much character does one apartment need? The foursome decide to throw a party, something small and quaint. One the day of the party they pull out a ouija board, to see who has been causing trouble. Satisfied they move forward with their plans.

A storm brews outside the window but this storm is different. It’s Friday night, the music is up and the guests have arrived. There are extra guests, who invited them? Derek and the girls discover the spirits have invited themselves, but Ben the sceptic doesn’t believe them; until nobody gets to leave.

A deranged murderer and his killer mistress, they like to play with their prey before the kill. A night of Psychological games and murderous intentions

Trying to decide what is real and whats not is a dangerous game, especially if it can kill you.

What do you love about writing?

I love getting lost in the worlds I get to create and getting to know all the characters. That would be my absolute favourite part but to be truthful there is nothing I don’t love about it.

Do you have a specific writing process?

I like to write more then one book and switch back and forth.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Don’t ever give up, your dreams are worth it. I would also like to say that thre is no right way to write a book, you need to just go for it. Don’t worry about editing or formatting, there are people who are good at that and are willing to do that for you.

What are you currently working on? How long before release?

I am working on a sequel to The Darkest Side of the Moon, a Psychological Crime Thriller and a Supernatural Fantasy thriller. They will be out in the next few months, I am working hard on them.

What are you currently reading?

I haven’t started a new book yet, I just finished The Champion of the Golden Queen by Austin Belanger.

Which authors and novels would you recommend as must reads?

Austin Belanger – The Champion of the Golden Queen

Kris Goldston- Gallegos – BlackHeart

Laura Birzulis- Fractured Soul

Do you have any favourite fictional characters?

I love Charlie and Jack from The Darkest Side of the Moon, Brandy and Derek from The Crack of Evil and the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland.

Which of your books would you like most to be made into a movie?

Omg that is too hard to choose, I think The Darkest side of the Moon would make a good series but The Crack of Evil would make a wicked movie.

Film casting – which actors would you choose as your main characters?

In my first book, The Darkest Side of the Moon, I have 8 main characters. If I had a chance to pick who played them then my choices would be:

Charlie ~ Jessica Chastain @jes_chastain

Nick ~ Matt Cedeno @MattCedeno

Jack ~ Alex O’loughlin ( Aussie actor couldn’t locate on twitter)

Julie ~ Odette Annable @OdetteAnnable

Franny ~ Jennifer Aniston @JenniferAnnistn

Carl ~ Chris hemsworth @chrishemsworth

Billy ~ Ashton Kutcher @aplusk

Loretta ~ Amanda Seyfried @AmandaSeyfried

If you could choose one person (dead or alive) to have a chat with, who would it be and why?

Stephen King, he has been someone I looked up to my whole life.

Any fun facts about you that you would like to share?

I absolutely love writing novels, lyrics and poetry

I am an animal lover

Before writing I was a bartender and a trail guide

I’m an autism mom

I am not a beach kind of girl but I love the ocean

I believe in authors helping authors

My favourite authors are Stephen King, J.K. Rowling and Nicholas Sparks

If I could make a difference I would help the homeless and the animal shelters

My favourite genres to read is sci-fi/thrillers/psychological

My favourite writing snack is bbq chips.

You can find out more about Tayler on her BLOG, TWITTER, FACEBOOK and GOODREADS.  You can buy her debut novel  The Darkest Side of the Moon on AMAZON.

The post Tayler Macneill appeared first on Roger Bray.

Andreas Wisst

I am really happy today to be talking to Andreas Wisst who, from a young age was fascinated by storytelling and history. This developed into an interest into science and research as well as unconventional theories and para-science ideas. He developed a burning interest and indestructible curiosity, which he stubbornly maintains with his enthusiasm for youth literature as an adult.

With his debut novel Leas Erbe: Sterne Blut (Lea’s Heritage – Star Blood), he realized a long-cherished desire to write a novel that he would like to read and share with others: an all-age adventure that unites his favourite genres. He combines sci-fi, dystopia and fantasy into an exciting story in which romance can not be missing. The fast-paced start of a series of novels to create stories that captivate, in their very own way but also to reflect.

Could you tell us about yourself?

I was born in Brühl near Cologne (Germany). As a child, my parents moved with me to Göppingen, a city close to Stuttgart in the south of Germany. In this part of the country I live now with my wife Katrin (happily married since 2009) adjacent to a Nature Reserve.

When did you first decide to write and what got you started?

Since an early age, history and stories fascinated me. In addition, I have always been interested in science and research, including theories and ideas of alternative science and archaeology.

However, for many years – apart from stacks of notes and short stories – I had no time to work on larger writing projects. That did not change until I met Katrin. The biography of her family, with her French grandfather, who was a member of the secret army in the resistance, and her German grandfather, who was imprisoned under the Nazis, awoke in me the burning desire, to write a multi-volume dystopia.

Do you plot your stories or do you write and see where it takes you?

A mix of both. I start with an idea, which sets the rough framework. After that, everything can happen. My protagonists probably hates me for this spontaneity, but by too much planning, I feel limited. I am someone who is mostly inspired by the moment, be it from the news or scenes on the street. I love to continue the situation, which I face, to embellish or distort it, and to merge the involved people with my fictional characters.

Do you have any inspirations for you writing? Other authors / people / events?

As mentioned in the previous question, I take the direct inspiration for my writing mostly from daily life. Like a sponge, I absorb everything that seems useful.

However, of course, other authors influence me too; everything you read does it. You pick it up; you learn from it and improve your own abilities by it. It is a kind of feedback circle, you develop skills and ideas further while you transform, and enrich your own work, more or less consciously, before you finally pass it on so that the game starts anew. The way, every kind of art refines and improves itself. The entirety of all authors are founding the breeding ground of each single writer’s creativity. The better fertilized my soil is, the better my work will be.

Partly because of this, my maxim corresponds to the much-quoted sentence: “Other authors are not my competition. I stand with them, not against them.”

What is the best part about writing, and the worst?

After months of scribbling and assembling a jumble of plots, subplots and dialogues, it is exciting to see how this wild collection of scribbling notes begin to form coherent paragraphs and scenes on screen. The worst part of the writing is the endless, but extremely important time you spend editing.

Can you tell us about one of, or your most recent book

Book 1

Actually, I am working on my series Leas Erbe, which will keep me busy for some time.

The protagonist of this dystopia, playing in the year 2528, almost 500 years after the Great Cataclysm and the subsequent war and pandemic, is Lea.

In this new era of recovery, Lea lives in the dome city of Grenoble, which lies in the former France. At the local elite institute to which she only can access thanks to a scholarship based on her skills as a racing driver, she studies medicine.

But the new time and peace deceives, since none of the human races – neither humans nor vampires – has learned from the past.

Lea’s life falls apart, overnight she turns from a student and successful pilot to a hunted; her friends and her family in mortal danger, and Lea does not know why.

Lea recognizes the gravity of her situation and of the conspiracy, which started with the cryptic hints her aunt gave her in the restricted area.

The sinister scheming of the competing secret societies dangerously approached her, trying now at all costs to take hold of her. Only due to enormous luck and Cloe’s spontaneous help, Lea can escape in the last moment an attempted of assassination of her during the race. Time is running out and there is no time for Lea, to enjoy the victory after the race. She has no other choice now, than to follow the thin thread of clues that leads her into the gloomy darkness of her unknown past.

Hoping to save the lives of her family and friends, as well as her love to Colin, Lea sets off. Alone. Leaving everything and everyone behind her, she steps down into Grenoble’s forbidden underworld and takes on to struggle, with the shadow of her past and far darker evil…

Lea has to solve the mystery of her origins.

Fast. Against the betrayal. Against death.

It is her heritage.

What are you currently working on? How long before release?

Book 2

Currently I am working on the third volume of the series “Leas Erbe”, which is expected to be released 2019. In the aim, to make the series finally also available to English-speaking readers, I am also working on a translation of the first volume into English. However, for the English version I cannot give a release date yet, because the translations sent to me do not match with my expectations up to now.

What are you currently reading?

I pulled an old classic off the shelf: Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep? / Philip K. Dick. It is in the original version, as I take every chance to improve my English.

Which authors and novels would you recommend?

The list of my recommendations is long, but to choose a few out: George Orwell/1984, Aldous Huxley / Brave New World, Franz Kafka / The Trial, Virtual Light / William Gibson, Lois Lowry / The giver to Liu Cixin / Three-Body Problem.

What do you feel are the greatest challenges facing any writer at the present time?

From a daily life point of view – depending on the model chosen – the biggest challenge for an author is to find a publisher or, as an indie writer, to manage marketing and sales on your own.

From an artistic and moral point of view, writers should not only skilfully entertain their readers with a story, but also encourage them, along the way, to think for themselves and to question things more critically, before it is too late … as so often in history.

How important do you think social media is for an author?

Social media? Indispensable! An important marketing and contact factor, especially for indie authors. It does not matter which social platform you prefer, but you need one to have a possibility to make your work known. Social media platforms give the author the opportunity to meet readers and fellow authors around the world, which he would normally never have a chance to encounter. I for myself chose Twitter, and I am grateful for all the great contacts and friendships, that have resulted from it.

You live in Germany, could you tell us about the country, the people and the culture

Göppingen

The Black Forest, home of the cuckoo clock, Grimm’s Fairy tales and the Alps are probably the most famous landscapes in Germany. In between there is an incredible diversity of regions to discover, with a high density of museums, which allow you to get all kind of information about history and art. In the south of Germany, following the Alps, you will find wooded hills and mountains, cut through with flows and lakes. A region interspersed with castles and mystic places that inspired the age of German Romanticism in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The more you move to the north, the more and more the land flattens off, passing by large industrial regions until the landscape opens to a wide plain towards the North Sea.

The German Oktoberfest with beer, sauerkraut, brezels and dirndl is probably the best-known cliché in Germany besides the Alps. Maybe yes, the Germans may correspond a bit to common stereotypes like traditional, punctual, eco-friendly and rule-oriented.

Having lived in Germany for a few years near Schwäbisch Hall, only 50 Kilometers from Göppingen, I can attest to the beauty of the area and how friendly the people are.

Schwäbisch Hall

You only need to observe what will happen in Germany, when a pedestrian approaches a zebra crossing. My wife is much amused about this, since she compares it to France, where you – in the same situation – can only wish the pedestrian good luck. The Germans may seem reserved and not too spontaneous because of this, but they are helpful and of great hospitality.

Looking at the German language, you can say that it is generally very direct in daily use, and the Germans usually says exactly what they mean. This unceremonious and forthright side is often to be misunderstood as rude or a lack of pleasantries. German as a language is not easy to learn. ( I can vouch for that as well!)

Beside the complicate application of larger and lower cases, there a many tenses or articles, that can be confused. Apart from the fact, that you can create words, that are long like freight trains, by seamlessly joining nouns, you can play and interact on an unexpected amount of levels with German. Using it, you can easily reconstruct the world around yours and experience it with all your senses. The written words become feelings; they transmit voices and sounds, which mix with smells and touches. In addition, through word choice and punctuation, you can pack a plethora of subliminal messages into the intervening space between the lines. The abundant classical German literature is rich in examples.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing? Do you have any hobbies?

To be on or in the water. Surfing, sailing, swimming…

Any fun facts about you that you would like to share?

I have a weakness for dark humour and for sweets. To all kind of chocolates, I am like a supermassive black hole and gummy bears are at the top of my Red List of Endangered Species.

Gummy Bears (and the few hundred other shapes) are definitely a big thing in Germany.  I remember overdosing constantly on them.

Gummy Bear overload

Danke Andreas, viel Glück mit deinem nächsten Buch in der Serie.

You can find out more about Andreas and the first two books in his series at Amazon.

They have me intrigued, I wish they were already in English as I am fairly sure my German isn’t up to the task of reading them.

The post Andreas Wisst appeared first on Roger Bray.

Vivien Brown

I am really happy to be talking today to Viv Brown who lives in Uxbridge, Middlesex, with her husband and two cats. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and a Council member and Fellow of the Society of Women Writers and Journalists

Could you tell us about yourself.

I have been writing short stories for the women’s magazine market (under a different name) for more than twenty years but always knew I wanted to try my hand at novels. So four years ago I gave up my day job (which I loved) working with very young children and their families in children’s centres and libraries, to give myself the time to make a go of it. I love spending time with other writer friends, talking all things fiction over a nice lunch or afternoon tea, and attending the annual Romantic Novelists conference where I can learn and have fun at the same time, although noisy stand-up industry parties have never really appealed. I am a fellow of the Society of Women Writers and Journalists, celebrating its 125th anniversary next year, and I look after their social media presence and administer their writing competitions. Away from writing, I am an avid reader and love tackling tricky cryptic crosswords.

When did you first decide to write and what got you started?

I started with poetry as a teenager, and enjoyed playing with words and making rhythms and rhymes that worked, while also learning how to put emotion onto the page. I then sold my first short story to Woman’s Weekly magazine and won the Mail on Sunday Best Opening to a Novel competition while I was at home bringing up my children. Those small successes gave me the confidence to go on.

Do you plot your stories or do you write and see where it takes you?

I usually start with a vague idea of theme. Maybe loneliness or jealousy or the pain of infertility. Then an opening paragraph pops into my head, and that will introduce me to my main character. From there, I have to learn all about her, and that tends to happen as the story unfolds. So, I know who it is about and what it is about, but the rest evolves over time!

What is the best part about writing, and the worst?

The best part is being able to work from home, the garden, a holiday cottage, or just about anywhere, and to be free to set my own timetable, having days off when I want to, and working manically for hours on end when I need to! Of course, publishers’ deadlines can put paid to all that at times. The worst part has always been the rejections. I have had my fair share of those in the past, which makes finally finding a publisher and seeing my books in print even more wonderful.

Tell us about one of, or your most recent book

My second novel, ‘Five Unforgivable Things’, published by Harper Impulse, came out in e-book on 26 July, with a paperback edition to follow in October. Much of the research and emotion I fed into this one was born out of my own very chequered history when it comes to having babies: years of infertility treatments, tubal surgery, an ectopic pregnancy, five rounds of IVF, frozen embryos that failed to implant, and then finally twins! Here’s a potted summary of the novel:

Almost thirty years ago, Kate’s dream came true. After years of struggling, she was finally pregnant following pioneering IVF. But the dream came at a cost. Neither Kate nor her husband Dan could have known the price they would have to pay to fulfil their cherished wish of having their own family. Now, years later, their daughter Natalie is getting married and is fulfilling her own dream of marrying her childhood sweetheart. Natalie knows she won’t be like most brides as she travels down the aisle in her wheelchair, but it’s the fact her father won’t be there to walk beside her that breaks her heart. Her siblings, Ollie, Beth and Jenny, gather around Natalie, but it isn’t just their father who is missing from their lives… as the secrets that have fractured the family rise to the surface, can they learn to forgive each other before it’s too late?

What are you currently working on? How long before release?

My current work in progress takes place over twenty years and is about two sisters who both love the same man. The story opens at his funeral, but why has he died and what secrets, grudges and misunderstandings are going to be revealed now he’s gone? This one still has a long way to go, so no news of a publication date yet.

What are you currently reading?

I love doing the Goodreads challenge every year, setting myself an annual target of 50 novels to read and review. My tastes vary a lot, from Elaine Everest’s wartime sagas to Clare Mackintosh’s thrillers with their unexpected twists. As I write this, I am just starting on ‘Missing Pieces’ by Laura Pearson and ‘Dear Mrs Bird’ by A J Pearce. I like something with a real emotional pull, an intriguing hook or some light humour, depending on my mood.

Which of your books would you like most to be made into a movie?

One review of my debut novel ‘Lily Alone’ did suggest it would make a good film. It’s about a young woman found unconscious after a road accident and the toddler she has left at home alone – just for a few minutes, but how was she to know she would not be coming back? It certainly has a varied cast of characters of all ages, a recognisable scenario of separated parents and neighbours who hear things but don’t want to get involved, and the emotional tug at the heart strings that mean it could just work on-screen! I do think it would be hard, though, letting someone else’s script and vision turn my story into something I might not recognise or even like!

Any funny cat stories you would like to share? Or for that matter any funny cat photos?

Dixie

I have two cats called Pixie and Dixie, found abandoned, with two more siblings, when they were tiny kittens and rescued first by Cats Protection, and then by me! Pixie is quite shy and nervous, but Dixie is certainly the more adventurous of the two, making friends with other families down the road, scrabbling up tall fences and roofs without being sure he can get down again, and seeing off feline intruders in ‘his’ garden. But he is also the most affectionate, and often spends time with me in my study, trying to find space on my lap as I type. His favourite pose is flat on his back with his legs in the air and his privates (or what’s left of them after being neutered) on display!

 

You mention Cyprus on your twitter account, do you like to travel? Where is your favourite holiday destination?

I am not a great traveller and often wish I could just wave a magic wand and find myself there in an instant without all the hanging around at airports and stations. But despite hating long flights I have been to Hong King, Singapore, Thailand, Jamaica and Barbados – all beautiful and fascinating in their own way. I much prefer European destinations though, with all their history and charm, especially Italian cities. Rome, Venice, Florence…all wonderful. My last holiday, in April, was to Cyprus. We went there for my stepdaughter’s wedding, a really romantic and unusual ceremony down near the beach, with the sounds of the waves in the background. Unfortunately, a month after coming home, my husband Paul had a heart attack, followed by open heart surgery, and is still on the long road to recovery, so I don’t think there will be any more trips abroad for quite some time.

You recently announced the arrival of your granddaughter Olivia Alice, congratulations! How many grandchildren do you have?

Olivia is my second, after Penelope Jane Rose (known as Penny), who is now three. When their mum is at work I usually do at least one day of childcare a week, but for now she is still on maternity leave, so I am not needed quite so regularly. We do have some fun times together though, at home, in the garden, and at various swimming pools, theme parks and zoos. Peppa Pig World is our favourite!

Any fun facts about you that you would like to share?

I have a thing for TV quizzes and game shows, watch loads of them and have appeared on three. The first, called Brainteasers, was on Channel 5 many years ago and was broadcast live! I beat the three male contestants and came away with a small cash sum which paid for portable TVs for my daughters’ bedrooms. In the last couple of years I have been on Perfection with Nick Knowles (involving a trip up from my London home to Glasgow) and The Chase with Bradley Walsh. I thoroughly enjoyed both experiences but sadly did not bag the jackpot!

You can find our more about Viv on her WEBSITE  and her books on Amazon.  

The post Vivien Brown appeared first on Roger Bray.

Vivian Brown

[image error]

I am really happy to be talking today to Viv Brown who lives in Uxbridge, Middlesex, with her husband and two cats. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and a Council member and Fellow of the Society of Women Writers and Journalists

Could you tell us about yourself.

I have been writing short stories for the women’s magazine market (under a different name) for more than twenty years but always knew I wanted to try my hand at novels. So four years ago I gave up my day job (which I loved) working with very young children and their families in children’s centres and libraries, to give myself the time to make a go of it. I love spending time with other writer friends, talking all things fiction over a nice lunch or afternoon tea, and attending the annual Romantic Novelists conference where I can learn and have fun at the same time, although noisy stand-up industry parties have never really appealed. I am a fellow of the Society of Women Writers and Journalists, celebrating its 125th anniversary next year, and I look after their social media presence and administer their writing competitions. Away from writing, I am an avid reader and love tackling tricky cryptic crosswords.

When did you first decide to write and what got you started?

I started with poetry as a teenager, and enjoyed playing with words and making rhythms and rhymes that worked, while also learning how to put emotion onto the page. I then sold my first short story to Woman’s Weekly magazine and won the Mail on Sunday Best Opening to a Novel competition while I was at home bringing up my children. Those small successes gave me the confidence to go on.

Do you plot your stories or do you write and see where it takes you?

I usually start with a vague idea of theme. Maybe loneliness or jealousy or the pain of infertility. Then an opening paragraph pops into my head, and that will introduce me to my main character. From there, I have to learn all about her, and that tends to happen as the story unfolds. So, I know who it is about and what it is about, but the rest evolves over time!

What is the best part about writing, and the worst?

The best part is being able to work from home, the garden, a holiday cottage, or just about anywhere, and to be free to set my own timetable, having days off when I want to, and working manically for hours on end when I need to! Of course, publishers’ deadlines can put paid to all that at times. The worst part has always been the rejections. I have had my fair share of those in the past, which makes finally finding a publisher and seeing my books in print even more wonderful.

Tell us about one of, or your most recent book

My second novel, ‘Five Unforgivable Things’, published by Harper Impulse, came out in e-book on 26 July, with a paperback edition to follow in October. Much of the research and emotion I fed into this one was born out of my own very chequered history when it comes to having babies: years of infertility treatments, tubal surgery, an ectopic pregnancy, five rounds of IVF, frozen embryos that failed to implant, and then finally twins! Here’s a potted summary of the novel:

Almost thirty years ago, Kate’s dream came true. After years of struggling, she was finally pregnant following pioneering IVF. But the dream came at a cost. Neither Kate nor her husband Dan could have known the price they would have to pay to fulfil their cherished wish of having their own family. Now, years later, their daughter Natalie is getting married and is fulfilling her own dream of marrying her childhood sweetheart. Natalie knows she won’t be like most brides as she travels down the aisle in her wheelchair, but it’s the fact her father won’t be there to walk beside her that breaks her heart. Her siblings, Ollie, Beth and Jenny, gather around Natalie, but it isn’t just their father who is missing from their lives… as the secrets that have fractured the family rise to the surface, can they learn to forgive each other before it’s too late?

What are you currently working on? How long before release?

My current work in progress takes place over twenty years and is about two sisters who both love the same man. The story opens at his funeral, but why has he died and what secrets, grudges and misunderstandings are going to be revealed now he’s gone? This one still has a long way to go, so no news of a publication date yet.

What are you currently reading?

I love doing the Goodreads challenge every year, setting myself an annual target of 50 novels to read and review. My tastes vary a lot, from Elaine Everest’s wartime sagas to Clare Mackintosh’s thrillers with their unexpected twists. As I write this, I am just starting on ‘Missing Pieces’ by Laura Pearson and ‘Dear Mrs Bird’ by A J Pearce. I like something with a real emotional pull, an intriguing hook or some light humour, depending on my mood.

Which of your books would you like most to be made into a movie?

One review of my debut novel ‘Lily Alone’ did suggest it would make a good film. It’s about a young woman found unconscious after a road accident and the toddler she has left at home alone – just for a few minutes, but how was she to know she would not be coming back? It certainly has a varied cast of characters of all ages, a recognisable scenario of separated parents and neighbours who hear things but don’t want to get involved, and the emotional tug at the heart strings that mean it could just work on-screen! I do think it would be hard, though, letting someone else’s script and vision turn my story into something I might not recognise or even like!

Any funny cat stories you would like to share? Or for that matter any funny cat photos?

Dixie

I have two cats called Pixie and Dixie, found abandoned, with two more siblings, when they were tiny kittens and rescued first by Cats Protection, and then by me! Pixie is quite shy and nervous, but Dixie is certainly the more adventurous of the two, making friends with other families down the road, scrabbling up tall fences and roofs without being sure he can get down again, and seeing off feline intruders in ‘his’ garden. But he is also the most affectionate, and often spends time with me in my study, trying to find space on my lap as I type. His favourite pose is flat on his back with his legs in the air and his privates (or what’s left of them after being neutered) on display!

 

You mention Cyprus on your twitter account, do you like to travel? Where is your favourite holiday destination?

I am not a great traveller and often wish I could just wave a magic wand and find myself there in an instant without all the hanging around at airports and stations. But despite hating long flights I have been to Hong King, Singapore, Thailand, Jamaica and Barbados – all beautiful and fascinating in their own way. I much prefer European destinations though, with all their history and charm, especially Italian cities. Rome, Venice, Florence…all wonderful. My last holiday, in April, was to Cyprus. We went there for my stepdaughter’s wedding, a really romantic and unusual ceremony down near the beach, with the sounds of the waves in the background. Unfortunately, a month after coming home, my husband Paul had a heart attack, followed by open heart surgery, and is still on the long road to recovery, so I don’t think there will be any more trips abroad for quite some time.

You recently announced the arrival of your granddaughter Olivia Alice, congratulations! How many grandchildren do you have?

Olivia is my second, after Penelope Jane Rose (known as Penny), who is now three. When their mum is at work I usually do at least one day of childcare a week, but for now she is still on maternity leave, so I am not needed quite so regularly. We do have some fun times together though, at home, in the garden, and at various swimming pools, theme parks and zoos. Peppa Pig World is our favourite!

Any fun facts about you that you would like to share?

I have a thing for TV quizzes and game shows, watch loads of them and have appeared on three. The first, called Brainteasers, was on Channel 5 many years ago and was broadcast live! I beat the three male contestants and came away with a small cash sum which paid for portable TVs for my daughters’ bedrooms. In the last couple of years I have been on Perfection with Nick Knowles (involving a trip up from my London home to Glasgow) and The Chase with Bradley Walsh. I thoroughly enjoyed both experiences but sadly did not bag the jackpot!

You can find our more about Viv on her WEBSITE  and her books on Amazon.  

The post Vivian Brown appeared first on Roger Bray.