Q&A with Katie Ginger

 Welcome to The Comfy Chair Blog... Katie Ginger 

KATIE GINGER lives by the sea in the south-east of England, and apart from holidays to very hot places where you can sit by a pool and drink cocktails as big as your head, she wouldn’t really want to be anywhere else. Winter Wishes at Swallowtail Bay is her sixth novel. She is also the author of Spring Tides at Swallowtail Bay, Summer Strawberries at Swallowtail Bay, Snowflakes at Mistletoe Cottage and the Seafront series – The Little Theatre on the Seafront, shortlisted for the Katie Fforde Debut Novel of the Year award, and Summer Season on the Seafront.

When she’s not writing, Katie spends her time with her husband and two kids, and their dogs: Wotsit, the King Charles spaniel, and Skips, the three-legged rescue dog. (And yes, they are both named after crisps!)

1.      What was your favourite childhood book/author? 

My favourite childhood book is Winnie the Pooh and the House at Pooh Corner. I’ve got an absolutely ancient copy in my bookshelf that no one’s allowed to touch because it’s falling apart!

 

2.      What inspired you to start writing and how long has it taken you to get to this point? 

Although I was one of those kids who loved writing, I stopped for ages when I started working and had kids. Even though my ambition was secretly to be a writer, life got in the way and I just thought it was one of those things that would never happen. But then in 2014, I got made redundant and I decided that after years of being practical, I wanted to tap back into being creative, so I signed up for a novel writing course and fell back in love with writing.

I joined an online writing group too which taught me so much, and I found out I was okay at it! It gave me a real confidence boost.

Sadly, in 2017 my cousin died from cancer at just 25 and it was the wake-up call I needed to really try and make my dream of being a writer come true. I entered a Twitter pitch that HQ Digital were running and was lucky enough to get picked up.

 

3.      Describe your writing space - neat and ordered or creative chaos? 

Definitely neat and ordered! Most of my house is a mess but I love a tidy workspace! It just makes me feel more in control and gives my brain room to be creative.

 

4.      What is the easiest and hardest part of the writing process? 

I think the easiest is having the idea and the hardest is writing that first draft. Editing can feel tough emotionally because you’re changing things you put a lot of effort into, but knowing it will be better at the end of it always gets me though!

 

5.      Which other authors are you influenced by?

So many! Sometimes I read other authors books and just wish I could write like that! I particularly love Sophia Money-Coutts, Jenny Colgan and Wendy Holden.

 

6.      What does literary success “look” like to you?

That’s a really good question! I think just knowing people are buying my books and enjoying them. I love it when readers get in touch or when I see someone has read my book, it really means the world to me. They’ve chosen to spend time with my characters and read my words and that blows my mind every single time!

 

7.      How do you select the names of your characters?

For my heroines, I love old fashioned names. I’ve had a Charlotte, Esme, Hetty and a Nell. I just love them! For the guys, I sometimes go for names that remind me of an actor or character. They can be hard to choose though sometimes!

 

8.      Do you hide any secret ‘messages’ in your book that only a few people will understand? 

Never! I’m just not clever enough for that! Sometimes I ask my friends if I can use an anecdote or something they’ve told me and they’re very kind and let me. My mum friends can probably recognise stories about our various kids!

9.      If your book was to be made into a film/TV programme, which actors would play which role? 

I absolutely adore questions like this! So for Winter Wishes at Swallowtail Bay, I see Nell as Anna Farris. I just love her in What’s Your Number? For Tom it’d have to be a long-haired but clean-shaven Tom Hiddleston!

 

10.  What do you hope your readers take away from your book?

With how awful 2020 has been I just want readers to enjoy being away from reality for a while. I try and tug at their heart strings a bit, but it’s always safe in the knowledge that things will work out in the end! And right now, I think that’s what we all need.

 

Lastly, Jenn (The Comfy Chair) likes to enjoy a good read snuggled up with a cup of tea and piece of cake... what cake or sweet treat would you suggest to accompany your book? 

A hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows and maybe even a flake!

Winter Wishes at Swallowtail Bay

Grab your cosiest jumper and escape to the beautiful Swallowtail Bay!

Christmas and romance are in the air and Nell is obsessed! She can’t stop watching her favourite Christmas romcoms and dreaming of the day when she meets her own romantic hero, especially as she is hosting the first ever wedding at her small hotel, Holly Lodge.

Nell’s best friend, Tom, has been in love with her ever since they met. But Nell has never seen him that way, and he’s always kept his feelings a secret in case it ruins their friendship.

After the opening of the glamorous Langdon Mansion Hotel in the bay, Nell’s hotel is struggling for survival and she must fight, with Tom’s help, to keep Holly Lodge open. Can the magic of Christmas help two old friends save Holly Lodge and open Nell’s eyes to a love that was always there the whole time?

Winter Wishes at Swallowtail Bay is the hilarious new romantic comedy from Katie Ginger, perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Veronica Henry and Holly Martin!

Buy Links:

ebook: https://amzn.to/2Ni5ipv

paperback: https://amzn.to/3fwlz7L

For more about Katie, you can visit her website: www.keginger.com, find her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KatieGAuthor, or follow her on Twitter: @KatieGAuthor..

Q&A with Helen Edwards

 Welcome to The Comfy Chair Blog... Helen Edwards 

Originally from North Wales, Helen currently lives in Shropshire with her husband and their dog. Helen worked for many years in the public sector and has an administrative background. She writes both fiction* and non-fiction. As well as being an indie author, Helen is a self-publishing assistant, offering editorial, self-publishing, and writing services. To find out more, please go to: www.helen-edwards.co.uk

*The novelettes are written under the name Helen Libby

1.      What was your favourite childhood book/author? 

That would have to be Enid Blyton for The Magic Faraway Tree collection, as well as Malory Towers and The Twins at St. Clare’s.

 

2.      What inspired you to start writing and how long has it taken you to get to this point?

Ever since I was a young child, I have enjoyed writing stories. As an adult I’ve written on and off for years. I first self-published in 2015. That was a novelette; more novelettes followed as writing shorter length fiction became my niche.

 

When I became a puppy parent in 2016, and after being overwhelmed with anxiety during those early weeks with my new furry friend, I decided to write a book about my experiences with him in a bid to help other new puppy parents. The book was published in 2018.

 

The book proved helpful to other people judging by all the comments and reviews I received. I loved writing about Archie and so I wrote a sequel, which was released in 2019. In both books I included some comments from my dog, Archie. People told me they loved hearing from him, which sparked the idea for a fictional diary.

 

The Secret Diary of Archie the Zuchon is based on all the places we’ve taken Archie. Whenever we go anywhere, I try to pick out something of note, something humorous. I love writing as Archie!

 

3.      Describe your writing space - neat and ordered or creative chaos?

Creative chaos. Every now and then I’ll have a blitz and my desk is neat, but it doesn’t take long to get messy again, mostly because of all the writing pads and notes I have scattered around.

 

4.      What is the easiest and hardest part of the writing process? 

The easiest part for me is writing the first draft, when I can just go with the flow. It doesn’t matter if it’s a load of rubbish, because it can be re-written/edited. The hardest part for me is editing because it requires more concentration.

 

5.      Which other authors do you admire?

I take my hat off to authors like Trisha Ashley, Juliet Ashton, Lucy Dillon, Ali McNamara, and Sue Moorcroft to name but a few. I could never write like that in a million years.

 

6.      Do you hide any secret ‘messages’ in your book that only a few people will understand? 

Not a message as such, but in my collection of novelettes, which I released last year, I linked the stories (albeit very loosely), by repeating certain lines. A robin appeared in every story.

 

7.      What do you hope your readers take away from your book, The Secret Diary of Archie the Zuchon?

I hope they will feel uplifted. I hope Archie’s stories raise a smile or two. I think the stories will resonate with dog owners, but you don’t have to have a dog to enjoy this book. It’s a gentle read, one which is suitable for people who love dogs.

 

Lastly, Jenn (The Comfy Chair) likes to enjoy a good read snuggled up with a cup of tea and piece of cake... what cake or sweet treat would you suggest to accompany your book? 

 

A chocolate brownie. I love them. During the first lockdown I started baking them myself, which is no doubt fatal for my waistline!

The Secret Diary of Archie the Zuchon

Welcome to the secret diary of Archie the Zuchon.

What are Zuchons?

Zuchons are very special dogs, as you’ll find out.

Read about Archie’s ad-ven-tures and get a dog’s perspective on the world.

A must-read for all dog lovers.

Available HERE

Social media links:

Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @helibedw

Archie has his own Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ArchietheZuchon

Book extract:

Guess what? Mum took me to the village shop today. It’s a shop and a Post Office, actually. I’ve been in there lots of times, and the nice lady at the counter always gives me a treat.

Mum posted her parcel and I ate my treat, but on the way out I disgraced myself.

We passed a sack of potatoes, you see, and there was a lovely smell by it. I had to stop and in-ves-ti-gate. It was a message from a fellow dog (I can’t tell you what it said – we dogs are allowed some secrets), and well, it would have been rude of me not to leave a reply. I cocked my leg before Mum could stop me.

She was mortified. She went up to the lady and told her what I’d done, apologising far too many times in my opinion, and offered to clean up after me.

And do you know what? The lady just laughed and told Mum another dog had done the same thing. You see? That’s the only reason I did it, because you know, I’m a good boy.

She had it cleaned up in a jiffy and wouldn’t hear of Mum helping. Thankfully, I hadn’t wet the sack of potatoes, just the floor nearby. Phew!

Mum joked that I’d be banned from the shop, and the lady said they’d put up a “wanted” poster. Well, really!

I haven’t been banned and Mum’s taken me in there since then, but she held me in her arms the whole time. She’s not convinced I won’t do it again.

I’ll try not to, Mum, but if someone leaves a message, you have to leave an RSVP, don’t you? Ha ha.

 

Q&A with Tracy Rees

 Welcome to The Comfy Chair Blog... Tracy Rees

Tracy Rees was born in Swansea. She studied languages at Jesus College, Cambridge, then moved to London. She worked in medical publishing for eight years then retrained and worked as a counsellor for people with cancer and their families for five years. She has also been a waitress, bartender, shop assistant, estate agent, classroom assistant, university lecturer and workshop leader. Tracy lives on the Gower Peninsula of Wales, dividing her time between Wales and London. She was the winner of the Richard and Judy Search for a Bestseller competition and the Love Stories Best Historical Read award and was shortlisted for the RNA Epic Romantic Novel of the Year award.

1.      What was your favourite childhood book/author? 

Oh so many!! I was a total bookworm, always immersed in a fictional world. Among many others, I absolutely loved the Jinny books by Patricia Leitch. I read and re-read the whole series and have done so since as an adult! I adored the bond between headstrong Jinny and her wild horse Shantih, and the themes of the beauty, fragility and importance of the natural world, and art, and creativity. Just gorgeous stuff.

 

2.      What inspired you to start writing and how long has it taken you to get to this point? 
One way or another I’ve always written – I think because I’ve always read. When I was about three I started scribbling down short poems, inspired by the Flower Fairies books by Cicely M Barker. Those were my earliest reads along with Enid Blyton and I loved being in those magical worlds so much it seemed second nature to try to create my own. But it took a LONG time before my ability came anywhere close to my passion. In fact even now all my ideas seem far more wonderful in my head than when I actually write them down. I tried writing at intervals over the years but life, jobs etc always got in the way. I was forty before I started really taking myself seriously. I think before that I always thought it was a vain fancy – I think a lot of people who long to write dismiss their dream in that way. Once I did start prioritising it, though, things started happening very quickly – a poem shortlisted here, a short story published there… Then a year or so later I won the Richard and Judy Search for a Bestseller competition, Amy Snow was published and the rest in history. It was a long journey to get to that point but completely worth every step.

 

3.      Describe your writing space - neat and ordered or creative chaos? 
Um… creative chaos…

 

4.      What is the easiest and hardest part of the writing process? 
The easiest part for me is dreaming up ideas and starting new stories, new worlds. The hardest part is halfway through when the doubts start setting in. I have to be really bull-headed to plunge ahead at that point. Then it gets all lovely and joyous again towards the end of a first draft, when I sense it all coming together. Second draft and editing stages also have their own challenges and rewards. It’s a very different headspace, much more analytical, which sometimes can be a relief, because progress is more tangible and measurable, but sometimes feels a little dull in comparison to the creative flow!

 

5.      Which other authors are you influenced by?
Again, so many! In fact, I would say “other authors” in general – because it’s so very inspiring and nourishing to read the wide variety of literature that’s out there. I think it’s important to read in my own genre and outside it as well. I love to read old favourites I know I can rely on, as well as new authors – sometimes I’m disappointed, sometimes thrilled. It all feeds in to what I’m doing as a writer. Some of my favourites are Tracy Chevalier, Salley Vickers, Elizabeth Berg, Sarah Addison Allen, Mke Gayle… I could go on…

 

6.      What does literary success “look” like to you?
For me it’s two things really. The first is practical – to be able to earn enough money to keep writing. Of course more would be lovely, but as long as I can just about afford to keep earning my living as an author, keep writing my stories every day, I really am happy. The other aspect to it is to have a measure of creative freedom. We hear a lot about “brands” and “genres” these days and commercial wisdom encourages us to build a brand. I do this to some extent but I also try to vary what I do within my genre and also, when opportunity allows, branch out and try new things. That way, the thing I most love doesn’t become workaday or repetitive. I do feel really, really blessed to be in a position to write the books I do.

 

7.      How do you select the names of your characters?
Oh gosh, names! I love names! I’m a bit strange like that. Names are very often the first thing that pop into my head – the starting point. Sometimes they appear in my head out of nowhere. I love that. Other times, I need a name for a minor character and I’ll leaf through a book of baby names trying to find the right fit. (I usually end up spying several other names I really want to use too, and so my cast of characters grows and grows!).

 

8.      Do you hide any secret ‘messages’ in your book that only a few people will understand? 
I don’t think I’ve done that yet but now you’ve suggested it…

 

9.      What do you hope your readers take away from your book?
I hope that my books are heart-warming, escapist and ultimately uplifting. I would love readers to take away a warm feeling, a sense that good things are possible no matter what difficulties occur in life, and hopefully a sense that the characters are friends. I love it when people tell me that my books got them through a bad week, or that they’re missing the characters now that they’ve finished reading. Those are the things books have done for me as a reader so it feels like the highest praise.

 

Lastly, Jenn (The Comfy Chair) likes to enjoy a good read snuggled up with a cup of tea and piece of cake... what cake or sweet treat would you suggest to accompany your book? 

I think the perfect sweet treat would be a chocolate brownie made by Gower Cottage Brownies. They’re made locally to me and are quite literally the BEST brownies I’ve ever tasted. And I’ve tasted plenty!

The House at Silvermoor

It’s the story of Tommy and Josie, who are brought up in neighbouring villages on the south Yorkshire coalfield at the turn of the century. Both their fates are carved in stone: Tommy must go down the mines to earn a living at the age of fourteen; Josie will grow up and marry a miner. They will never leave the mining life. But Tommy has always dreamed of more and they’re both fascinated by the local aristocratic families who have their keeping, and over time they become entangled in the fates and secrets of the grand houses.

AVAILABLE HERE

Website: www.tracyrees.com

Twitter: @AuthorTracyRees

Q&A with Helen J Rolfe

 Welcome to The Comfy Chair Blog... 

Helen J Rolfe.

Helen J Rolfe writes romantic fiction and contemporary women's fiction and enjoys weaving stories about family, friendship, secrets, and community.

Location is a big part of the adventure in Helen's books and she enjoys setting stories in different cities and countries where she thinks her readers might like to escape to.

1.      What was your favourite childhood book/author? 

For me, definitely Enid Blyton! I loved the adventures she took readers on, especially with the Magic Faraway Tree, that was my favourite, the whole make believe world she created had me totally gripped. As a teen I loved Judy Blume, she really seemed to ‘get’ how girls felt at certain ages, so it was easy to resonate with her characters. I’ve even bought some of her books for my teenagers too… 

 

2.      What inspired you to start writing and how long has it taken you to get to this point? 

I still remember telling my English teacher that I wanted to be a journalist and she warned me, never give up. She’d given up the dream and become a teacher! Somehow I ended up becoming a computer programmer but along the way I realised how much I wanted to write, took a couple of courses in journalism and writing and then began writing freelance articles for women’s health and fitness magazines. It was when my kids were both at school and I had more time on my hands that I realised I wanted to try writing a book. My first attempt was terrible! It will never see the light of day but was very much a learning experience I began in around 2011 … then I wrote The Friendship Tree which went on to be published in February 2015 and I haven’t looked back since.

 

3.      Describe your writing space - neat and ordered or creative chaos? 

My writing spaces have varied over the years – I worked at the kitchen table with headphones to block out the noise, at a desk in our bedroom, then in a walk in wardrobe, and now finally I have a lovely big desk with room for the computer and a place for the thousand and one pieces of paper I seem to have. You can always tell when I’m starting a new book as I have a real tidy and the desk looks lovely until I make notes everywhere and it gets a little chaotic once more.

 

4.      What is the easiest and hardest part of the writing process? 

The first draft of a book is quite painful for me, I really have to force myself to sit down and press on with it even though it’s quite hard and feels like I’ll never get there. There’s always a moment around 40,000 words where I think it’s really terrible and I almost want to start again but once I get past that it starts to flow a bit more.

 

For me, editing is the easier part, I really enjoy pulling apart what I’ve written and shaping it into something much better. I usually go through three times before I send it off to an editor who then returns it and we go through the process again.

 

5.      Which other authors are you influenced by?

I don’t think I’m really influenced by any other authors but I learn from every single author out there. When I read other books I learn about plotting, characterisation, writing dialogue, it extends my vocabulary and sometimes triggers thoughts about my work in progress.

 

6.      What does literary success “look” like to you?

I’m not sure about literary success but for my own success, it’s when I’m getting books out there, people are reading them, and more than that, they’re enjoying my stories. There’s nothing quite like receiving an email or message from a reader to say how much they loved a book and why. It’s a really special moment and those relationships I build with my readers make me feel successful in my career.

7.      How do you select the names of your characters?

I find this so difficult! With book number 20 publishing December 6th I have so many characters already. I’ve got a spreadsheet with all the names and when I choose I tend to look at baby names via Google. Even then, it’s difficult. Sometimes I choose a name and when I’m writing I don’t feel like the name fits the character so then it’s back to the choosing game again!

 

For characters’ appearances and so I have a face in my head, I tend to go through programs I enjoy and pluck them from there or movies I’ve seen. If I can’t think of any off the top of my head I search online for actors around the age I need and choose that way.

 

8.      Do you hide any secret ‘messages’ in your book that only a few people will understand? 

This sounds like a fun thing to do, but no I haven’t done it unless you count some of the things that happen that I’ve plucked from memories over the years. My parents tend to spot all of those!

 

9.      If your book was to be made into a film/TV programme, which actors would play which role? 

I love this question! If it was Christmas at the Little Waffle Shack I’d like to have Kara Killmer (she plays Sylvie on Chicago Fire) to play Lucy and Jesse Lee Soffer (he plays Jay Halstead on Chicago PD).

 

10.  What do you hope your readers take away from your book?

I hope my readers go on an emotional journey with my characters and lose themselves in Heritage Cove which is even more special at Christmas. I hope the book leaves them uplifted and smiling.

 

Lastly, Jenn (The Comfy Chair) likes to enjoy a good read snuggled up with a cup of tea and piece of cake... what cake or sweet treat would you suggest to accompany your book? 

 

Well that would have to be waffles! 

Christmas at the Little Waffle Shack
Release date: 6th December 2020

It's December in Heritage Cove and along with the village Christmas tree, frosty mornings and the promise of the most wonderful time of the year, the new waffle shack is about to open. And its owner isn't a stranger to the Cove, because after all this time, Daniel is back to make amends with his brother Harvey – as well as a few other locals he might have offended along the way.

Fairly new to the village, local blacksmith Lucy has kept up the pretence of being with her ex for the sake of his gran but she’s fed up with all the lies. Determined to come clean and live the life she wants to live, she’s devastated to find that her attraction to Daniel is tainted by the fact he’s hiding a few things of his own. And his secrets are ones she isn’t sure she’ll ever be able to get past.

Heritage Cove is full of friendship and community; it’s a welcoming place people visit and never want to leave. But will it work its magic for Daniel and Lucy?

Available to order HERE

Follow Helen on Twitter HERE

Q&A with Emma Jordan

 Welcome to The Comfy Chair Blog.. with Emma Jordan 

I’m a huge travel and live music fan, having seen artists around the world, across all genres including Andrea Bocelli (Malta) Muse (6 countries including Helsinki), Stereophonics (every chance I get) and New Kids on the Block (UK and USA).  I love country music, and finally visited Nashville last year, for the week long CMAFest - listening to 60 hours of live music across 5 days, AND American breakfasts are my nirvana.  

I love hearing from readers, too and am mostly found on Twitter or Instagram going by the name of @dgtlwriter 

1. What was your favourite childhood book/author? 

I practically lived in the libraries near home and in school from an early age, and I always sought out Point Horrors and Sweet Valley Highs.  I also loved reading Judy Blume books; I’m a definite child of the early 90s. 

 2.                What inspired you to start writing and how long has it taken you to get to this point? 

Being surrounded by books the logical next step was having a go at writing.  Each summer school holidays I’d force my sister and cousin to write magazines and bind handwritten dictionaries together.  

I studied history and literature at uni, and after a little time away from education, working in offices, I trained as a teacher, and gained an MA, so I’ve always been an academic writer.  When I started to travel in my mid-20s a notebook was as essential to travel as my passport, and I have always loved writing diaries.  The idea for the first novel in my romance series, Everything Except You, came from my love of travel, music and eighties films, and I spent a couple of years with the characters until September 2019, when I  published the story of Lucy and Cain, who think they have everything they need, until they meet.  The second book in my romance series, Everything and Nothing, was published in July 2020, with a Christmas novella due out in December. 

 3.                Describe your writing space - neat and ordered or creative chaos? 

In the last couple of years, as my daughter has reached Juniors in primary school, and we have more space, I’ve finally got a writing room at home, overlooking Dartmoor, which we call the craft room - I now keep a relatively tidy square of space around my computer, but the deeper I get into editing, the more biscuit tins and bars of chocolates join me at the desk, creating a confectionary cityscape. 

 4.                What is the easiest and hardest part of the writing process? 

I love planning, creating strong characters that I live with for a while, before committing their story to paper.  I have an online diary, where I offload non-writing thoughts, and rough writing goals in the early days, then a second document of character notes and plot, so I can keep track of hair and eye colour, music and films the characters love, their own families.  I have to visualise my characters really well during the planning stage, so that writing is easier.  I pretty much love writing the first draft, too, watching the word count grow.  

   The editing is probably the most difficult aspect of writing, but I know this is where the story starts to emerge.  I used to hate this stage, but I read a blog from author Emma Cooper who outlined her editing process, and I absolutely love her work - I proper ugly-cry until 4 in the morning when I’m binging on her books, but I ABSOLUTELY LOVE that she’s made editing a bearable process.  I now have about six steps I follow, from consistencies, through to line edits, and have a brilliant friend who loves editing who reads through my work pointing out errors I just can’t see.  Then I order an author copy and curl up on the sofa with my book and a highlighter to read as a reader.  Then I’ll download to Kindle to check how it reads, before publishing.  On every page I have to have those feel-good moments of prose that mean I’ve written a book that I just can’t put down.  

 5.                Which other authors are you influenced by?

I devour books by Marian Keyes, Emma Cooper, Stephen King, Lindsey Kelk and Sophie Kinsella.  I love the way their stories keep me turning the page.  Marian’s dialect is fantastic and her messages are so emotive.  Emma’s stories of love will see me sobbing frequently; Stephen King’s books are great from seeing the story from different character’s viewpoints.  And Misery is probably one of my favourite books, again about a series of romance books.  Lindsey’s and Sophie’s romance series’ just remind me of great holiday reads, and how readers always love escaping.   

   I really do love a romance series, and there are some great self-published romance writers who I know create page-turning stories for me to run away with, such as Melody Anne, Melody Grace, and a New Zealand author, Serenity Woods.  I’ve discovered a new writer recently, Isabel Jordan (no relation) and I love the sass she brings to her characters.  I love self-publishing for the speed at which I can write and publish, and then there’s the Canva fun I can have during book promotions, which is almost as fun as meeting new readers on social media! 

 6.                What does literary success “look” like to you?

First of all, I have to write the book I can’t put down.  I love when readers get in touch to tell me how much they love my characters and writing, and I know that is down to the editing process.  I want to make the sentences as beautiful as I can, inspired by the prose of Mark Twain, or Laurie Lee, who both had a hypnotic way with words.  

   Success can mean millions of readers know a book’s name, or it is made into a film, but there are more hard working authors than professional book clubs and awards available - marketing shines upon and elevates a book, zeitgeist is the wind that flaps the pages in front of those millions of readers.  

 7.                How do you select the names of your characters?

I have a thirty year career as a reader, music-lover and film addict; names are everywhere.  I like to play around with names of minor characters in my novels to have a little fun; country artists have turned up, favourite film characters, and beloved literary characters, such as children Charlotte and Emily, named after the Bronte sisters.  

 8.                Do you hide any secret ‘messages’ in your book that only a few people will understand? 

If you’re a music fan, especially of country music, you will recognise lyrics and artists more than most readers.  If you’re new to the genre of Nashville music, follow the advice of my lead characters who will point you to the way of excellent three minute stories. 

 9.                If your book was to be made into a film/TV programme, which actors would play which role? 

Whichever actors my readers want to put in their mind when they’re reading my books!  I know some writers create Pins and Instagrams of their characters, however, I haven’t done that yet.  Maybe I’ll save that for my next romance series. 

 10.            What do you hope your readers take away from your book?

The idea that love is everywhere, between family and friends as well as central characters.  I want readers to remember the romance scenes of one character listening to another, bringing them their favourite drink, getting caught - and rescued -in potentially dangerous situations, being prepared to walk away for love, and accepting love when it’s right in front of them.  I can’t help but set my books in so many locations, across the UK, USA and Asia,  that I hope travel memories are evoked, or itineraries planned, too.  

Lastly, Jenn (The Comfy Chair) likes to enjoy a good read snuggled up with a cup of tea and piece of cake... what cake or sweet treat would you suggest to accompany your book? 

Oh, I’m always surrounded by sweet treats.  When I’m reading I love a giant chocolate chip cookie, or a decadent peanut butter cheesecake, or gooey chocolate fudge cake by my side.  You’ll want a hand free to keep turning the pages of my Love is Everything series :)  

Everything, Except You and Everything and Nothing are the first two published novels in my romance slow-burn happy ever after series, Love is Everything, available on Amazon.  

In Everything, Except You, Lucy and Cain have everything they could want, except each other.  Their lives are heading in different directions, but touring Musician Cain has fallen hard for Academic Lucy.  Can he peel away each of the protective layers Lucy has wrapped around herself, and help her to see their possibilities? 

In the follow-up novel, Everything and Nothing, Lucy’s sister, Elle has just begun her dream job at an art gallery, and has achieved everything she has ever worked for.  She can have anything and everyone she wants, except Cain’s drummer, Jam.  A chance mistake at work, a bar challenge and they end up living in Thailand together, discovering connections deeper than they realised.  

My Christmas novella, revisiting old friends and delving into new love,  Everything at Christmas, is due to be published in December 2020.  Expect love, romance and lots of Christmas experiences.