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 Lynne Shelby

 Welcome to The Comfy Chair Blog... Lynne Shelby, author of ' The Summer of taking Chances.'

I write women’s fiction/contemporary romance. When I’m not reading or writing, I can usually be found exploring a foreign city, writer’s notebook, camera and sketchbook in hand, or in the audience at the theatre.

I live in London with my husband, and I have three adult children who live nearby.

1.      What was your favourite childhood book/author?

My favourite childhood book was Prince Caspian by C S Lewis, which I originally read when I was seven and re-read many times. I enjoyed all the Narnia books, but this was this was first one I came across – I remember seeing it in a bookshop, and thinking that the cover, with a boy galloping a horse through some woods, looked very exciting. Like so many children, I fell completely under the spell of a story about a magical land where animals could talk.

 

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

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing. I have a vivid memory of writing a story when I was five about sheep escaping from a field – although it was only three sentences long! When I was fourteen I submitted a novel I’d written to a publisher, and although they didn’t publish it, a kind editor sent me a letter encouraging me to go on writing – I’m so glad I took her advice. It was, however, several decades – and half a dozen manuscripts in different genres – later, that I ‘discovered’ romantic fiction, and realised that this was what I wanted to write. In 2014, I spotted a nationwide competition with the prize of publication for a women’s fiction/romantic novel, which I entered and won with the ms that became my debut novel, French Kissing, which was published in 2015.

 

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

When my children were young, I wrote anywhere – in a car waiting for them to come out of ballet class, or in the kitchen while I was cooking – but when my eldest moved into her own flat, her old bedroom became my writing room, where I now have a desk set up under a window, and shelves for books. When I first start writing a novel, my desk is set out neatly, with just my laptop, a coffee mug and a couple of objects that I’ve chosen to inspire my story, but as I write, it becomes ever more cluttered, with pens and papers scattered across its surface, while post-its with my scribbled notes spread from my cork notice board to all around the walls, and reference books pile up all over the floor. I do tidy up the room between writing each draft of a book, but it soon returns to a state of creative chaos.

 

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

The hardest part for me is getting to the end of a first draft. Advice for authors is to write a first draft as fast as possible without editing, but I must admit that I can’t always prevent myself from tweaking it as I go along – although this is something I’m consciously trying to avoid doing in my current WIP. The easiest part is the editing. I find it great fun to add details and colour to a story.

 

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

For me, literary success is having people read and enjoy a book I’ve written. When I see that someone I’ve never met has gone to the trouble of writing a glowing review or when someone comments on social media how much they’ve loved one of my novels, I’m a very happy author.

 

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

My main characters tend to rock up in my head fully formed with their own names, demanding that I tell their story. For minor characters I choose names that I like, although I try to avoid picking the names of family or close friends. I find it fascinating how names go in and out of fashion, and I always check which names were popular in the year my characters were born.

 

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

I don’t have secret ‘messages,’ but I do sometimes put in an anecdote that a friend will recognise from being present at the event I’m describing.

 

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

It’s a dream of mine to have one of my books made into a film! Several members of my family and a lot of my friends are actors, so I’d suggest to the casting director that they play my characters.

 

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

I hope that when my readers reach the last page of my books they are satisfied that my characters are where they meant to be.

 

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? 

Genoa fruit cake, please – my favourite!

The Summer of Taking Chances

‘Ten years from now, imagine where we might be…’

When Emma Stevens was seventeen, she and Jake Murray were both living in the small seaside village of South Quay, dreaming of glittering careers on the stage. Jake left the village to go to drama school, and the following year, Emma planned to do the same…

Ten years later, Jake is living in London, a successful and well-known actor, while Emma is still living a quiet, uneventful life in South Quay, working in a local hotel. Then Jake returns to the village for the summer…

AVAILABLE HERE - OUT NOW!!

Summer Strawberries at Swallowtail Bay - Katie Ginger

Grab your strawberries and cream and get ready to return to the beautiful Swallowtail Bay!

Summer is in full swing and the locals are getting excited for the launch of the Swallowtail Bay strawberry food festival. But will all run smoothly when festival organiser Hetty’s heart is torn between lord of the manor John Thornhill and successful bakery owner Ben?

Purchase Links

UK Amazon ebook: https://amzn.to/3bGn0yi

US Amazon ebook: https://amzn.to/2KuIdPf

My Review:


This is the second book in a gorgeous new series from Katie Ginger (who I am a big fan of). The first visit to Swallowtail Bay – ‘Spring Tides at Swallowtail Bay’ was a delight so I jumped at the chance of reading this next book, ‘Summer Strawberries at Swallowtail Bay’.

Although it does mention characters, we have grown to love from the first book, this is written so that it can be read as a standalone book.

With this trip to Swallowtail Bay, Hetty wants to reinvigorate the strawberry festival famed but comes up against an extremely reluctant Lord of the Manor. Will she make turn her plans into a success and help the failing Thornhill Manor and will her love for ex-boyfriend Ben be reignited?

This is an adorable love story that will leave you with a smile on your face and characters that have a place in your heart. The characters of Hetty and John are brilliant and the relationship they have is fantastic; she is bright, confident and does not back down easily and he needs that kind of firecracker to break down his defences.

I love books with a strong sense of community and supporting each other and this book has it in droves. The setting is so well written, I can clearly imagine the whole town as well as the Manor and from the beautiful descriptions I wish I could live there! It sounds a gorgeous place to be.

This book is an absolute charm, I laughed along, I smiled and felt every emotion for Hetty, by the end I was so happy for everyone. I read it in no time, I just didn’t want to put it down but then I was gutted to finish it and not be able to go on being part of that community anymore.

I have enjoyed everything Katie Ginger has written but this series is something very special.


About the Author:

KATIE GINGER lives in the South East of England, by the sea, and she really wouldn't want

to be anywhere else. Summer Strawberries at Swallowtail Bay is her fifth novel. The first, Spring Tides at Swallowtail Bay is available now. Her debut novel The Little Theatre on the Seafront was shortlisted for the Katie Fforde Debut Novel of the Year award, and her stand- alone Christmas novel Snowflakes at Mistletoe Cottage was a US Amazon bestseller.

When she's not writing, Katie spends her time drinking gin, or with her husband, trying to keep alive their two children, Ellie and Sam. And there's also their adorable King Charles Spaniel, Wotsit (yes, he is named after the crisps!).

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

Instagram: @katie_ginger_author

BLOGTOUR: The Time of our lives - Abby Williams

 

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Sg3z61

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2JKHisZ

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2xMa5Il

Ibooks: https://apple.co/2ZhNKxM

About the Book

Two women from two very different generations are brought together through dramatic circumstances and help each other to forge new paths.

Twenty-six-year-old Erin has everything she’s ever wanted – a good job, a gorgeous fiancé and a best friend who’s always there for her. But suddenly her life comes crashing down around her. Unable to return home to her parents, she takes a room in a house nearby and her life starts over in the most unexpected of ways…

Seventy-six-year old Lydia, who, shocked by the sudden death of her husband, is devastated to discover that he has left her in crippling debt. With no choice but to take in a lodger, Erin comes into her life. When they find a letter hidden in the attic old secrets come to light and, with Erin by her side, Lydia finds herself going on a trip of a lifetime.

Perfect for fans of The Flatshare, 59 Memory Lane and If Only I Could Tell You

My Review:

We meet the wonderful Lydia recently after her husband passes away. She realises her beloved husband had been keeping secrets leading her son to convince her that she must take in a lodger to make ends meet. With this in mind she meets with the lovely, yet sad, Erin. We’ve seen that twenty-six-year-old Erin has had a difficult time and needs a new start - her fiancé and best friend betrayed her.

Erin moves in and over the following days and weeks we see how both women bring out the better qualities in each other and provide the support each needs to move forward instead of looking back and dwelling on the past.

Honestly, I adored it from the moment these two women met. I was totally absorbed into their lives. Both characters complimented each other fantastically, although both were quite feisty and opinionated. I think they are both brilliant and loved that the emphasis of the book was their relationship and how they helped each other.

We read how each character dusts themselves off and both move on with their lives – even with an age difference they learn so much from the other. They both go on quite a journey in the short time they know each other, there are great successes, heart-warming moments that had me smiling from ear to ear but also failures and disappointments. Throughout it all they have each other; I found myself smiling, laughing but then feeling very empathetic to their situations.

This book is very nicely written, you get a good sense of the atmosphere – their excitement, disappointments, the sadness and the loves each character lives through. We are introduced to a lovely selection of additional characters, although there will be a couple you will instantly dislike.   The perspective changes between Erin and Lydia but it’s done very well and I really enjoy getting two views of events throughout.

I enjoyed how the book encompassed the realities of life, that everything isn’t always perfect, but you live through the moments, you learn, and you continue the best path for you.

Here’s to friendship and having those who support and love you always.

I would highly recommend this book to all, definitely worth a read. 

About the Author 

Abby Williams is the pseudonym for Fiona Ford, writer of romantic up-lit and historical fiction. Fiona started out as a freelance journalist for titles such as Grazia, Sunday Mirror and Stylist before realising her passion lay in novels. Now she spends her days immersed in made-up worlds and reckons she has the very best job in the world. When she's not writing, Fiona is a gym nut, but only so it means she can eat lots of cake and drink lots of wine - not necessarily in that order. She lives in Berkshire with her husband and two cats who she sometimes thinks she might love just a little bit more than all the humans she knows. The Time of Our Lives is her first romantic novel and she is now busy scribbling away her second. 

Follow Fiona:

Facebook: @Fionafordauthor

Twitter: @Fionajourno

Website: www.fionaford.co.uk