Q&A with Victoria Walters

 Welcome to The Comfy Chair Blog... Victoria Walters, author of 'Hopeful Hearts at Glendale Hall.' 

About Victoria:

Victoria Walters writes up-lifting and inspiring stories. Her moving debut novel THE SECOND LOVE OF MY LIFE was chosen for WHSmith Fresh Talent and shortlisted for an RNA award. Victoria was also picked as an Amazon Rising Star. 

She lives in Surrey with her cat Harry (named after Harry Potter). Victoria is not only obsessed with books but loves buying slogan tops, mugs and notebooks, and posting them all on Instagram.

1.     What was your favourite childhood book/author? 

This is tricky as I was such a bookworm and I read so many books – some of my favourites when I was young were the Famous Five books, Roald Dahl especially Matilda, Tracy Beaker… when I was a little bit older I was obsessed with the Sweet Valley High books and I also loved Point Horror. When I was about twelve, I discovered Jane Austen and she is still my favourite to this day.

 

2.    What inspired you to start writing and how long has it taken you to get to this point? 
Just my love of books really. I was an only child and just loved reading. I think though the Twilight series gave me the real push to start – I was so hooked on that series and wanted to write a teen series myself. However, I couldn’t get my teen books published, and then I had the idea for what became my debut women’s fiction novel (The Second Love of My Life), and the rest as they say is history!

 

3.    Describe your writing space - neat and ordered or creative chaos? 
It’s neat to be honest and I’m not really a neat person but to be productive, I like my desk to just have my laptop and a notebook and a pile of the books I’ve written so far to inspire me. I also like to light a candle now the days are become darker earlier.

 

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

The best part for me is writing the first draft, I love just getting the story out on the page. I enjoy editing less and once you’ve read the book like five times, it can get a bit boring but I just try to focus on making it as best I can for readers.

 

5.      Which other authors are you influenced by?

I think I’ve been influenced by Jane Austen. With my Glendale Hall series, I like to include a letter in each book and that came from her books, often the male charters write a letter to explain themselves and I love that as a device. I also think she inspired my love of a romantic ending and happy ever afters.

 

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

I would love to have a Sunday Times bestseller or a TV or film made from one of my books but that feels like winning the lottery really. I would like to see the Glendale series grow and grow and maybe hit the top ten on the Kindle charts, that would be amazing. We’ve managed the top 100 so far…

 

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

As Glendale is set in Scotland, I looked up popular names, and traditional Scottish names and picked ones that seemed to fit the characters really. It’s not easy though, male names are harder I think.

 

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

I definitely feed in titbits from previous books in my Glendale Hall series so if you read all the books you’ll get the little nods, I also use my favourite things in my books like movies or food or books that I’m sure you’ll notice, and of course there is that letter to look out for when you’re reading them!

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

I find this so hard because I see them clearly in my head! I did kind of base the Minister of Glendale, Brodie, on James Norton who played Grantchester so that would be amazing if he took on the role.

 

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

Kindness, community, family, loyalty, believing in yourself, going after your dreams, that love comes in all different forms, and to try to always follow your heart. I hope that my books are uplifting and inspiring and leave you with a big smile on your face!

 

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 a hot chocolate with lots of cream and sprinkles and some Scottish shortbread would work perfectly for the Glendale Hall books!

What happens when love takes you to unexpected places?

Heather Douglas appears to have it all. But living on a farm in the Scottish Highlands with her partner, Rory Fraser, all while bringing up their adorable toddler, Harry, isn’t easy. As a former librarian, Heather is worried that she’ll never fully fit into life on Fraser Farm. And after the death of her beloved mum five years ago, Heather feels lost, as well as guilty for holding back accepting Rory’s marriage proposal because she can’t imagine her wedding without her mother.

So when ex-boyfriend, Stewart, appears in the village of Glendale, it’s a shock to the system. The man who broke her heart years ago now has big plans for the neighbouring farm and wants Heather to be part of the development. Knowing that she’s living a very different life to the one they had planned at university leaves Heather wondering if she has made the right choices since she and Stewart broke up. Especially when things start to go very wrong on the farm ...

This Christmas, Heather will need to face her fears and let go of the past or risk losing everything. She will need love, faith, and a whole lot of hope

OUT NOW - AVAILABLE HERE 

Find Victoria on Twitter or Facebook

Q&A with Eliza J. Scott

Welcome to The Comfy Chair Blog.... Eliza J.Scott...

Hi Jenn, thank you so much for inviting me to take part in your author Q&A. So, without further ado, I’ll dive straight in…

 1.       WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE CHILDHOOD BOOK/AUTHOR?

I’d have to say Enid Blyton and her books about the Enchanted Wood and the Faraway Tree. It was while looking them as a small child, I first realised I could actually read; not just a couple of words, but lots of them put together to make a sentence, then a paragraph, then a page! I can still remember that feeling of utter happiness! I was also enthralled by Beatrix Potter and the exquisite drawings in her books; the perfect fuel for a young imagination! Happy memories.

2.       WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START WRITING AND HOW LONG HAS IT TAKEN YOU TO GET TO THIS POINT?

I’d say my love of books and reading is what inspired me. As a child, I always used to feel an overwhelming urge to write after I’d finished reading a book. I used to make my own – complete with drawings – out of pieces of paper folded together. I’d scribble little stories about mice who lived in tree trunks or a girl called Emily who was always getting into mischief. I wanted to be a writer from an early age, but those dreams got swallowed up by life, getting a job, getting married, having a family, buying a building renovation … all the usual things. I started writing seriously again when my youngest daughter started secondary school, but I kept it to myself and used to write in secret! I’ve got notebooks full of drafts for different stories – my Life on the Moors series came from these, as has the seaside series I’ll be starting next year. But it was a trip to the Festival of Writing at York that really spurred me on; I came away from that feeling very fired up. So, to sum up; it’s taken a heck of a long time to get to this point!

3.      DESCRIBE YOUR WRITING SPACE – NEAT AND ORDERLY OR CREATIVE CHAOS?

It’s a bit of a mixture actually – though the chaos isn’t creative! My writing space is a little room just off the living room – we call it ‘the snug’. It needs a total revamp, but I moved in to write during lockdown as my usual space (the kitchen table) was proving impossible to work from with everyone being at home full-time. It’s still home to a bit of junk (that’s yours, Mr S, if you’re reading this!) which is slowly disappearing, but I’ve been buying lots of lovely bits and bobs to decorate it with when it’s finally cleared. I have my desk in there, and I like everything on it to be neat and orderly; only papers, notebooks and files relating to my current WIP are allowed!

4.      WHAT IS THE EASIEST AND HARDEST PART OF THE WRITING PROCESS?

For me, the hardest part is definitely writing the blurb! Ughh! Just thinking about it puts my stomach in knots! The easiest part is when I’m describing scenery from the North Yorkshire Moors, which I can see from the windows of my home. I can’t help but feel totally inspired whenever I look out at them.

5.      WHICH OTHER AUTHORS ARE YOU INFLUENCED BY?

Ooh, this is a tricky one to narrow down as there are so many wonderful authors out there. I’d say my favourites would have to include Milly Johnson, Sarah Morgan, Heidi Swain (fully-fledged member of the Swainettes club here!), Cathy Bramley, Carole Matthews, Catherine Alliott, Santa Montefiore, Emma Davies, Jules Wake/Julie Caplin, Freya North, Karen Swan … oh, heck, I could go on forever!

6.      WHAT DOES LITERARY SUCCESS LOOK LIKE TO YOU?

When a reader takes the time to get in touch to tell you how much they enjoyed your books. It’s just the best feeling; heartwarming and humbling in equal measure – it still takes a bit to sink in! – and I appreciate it enormously.

7.      HOW DO YOU SELECT THE NAMES OF YOUR CHARACTERS?

I don’t have a process really, they just pop into my head when I’m drawing up their profile. They pretty much always stick too.

8.      DO YOU HIDE ANY SECRET ‘MESSAGES’ IN YOUR BOOK THAT ONLY A FEW PEOPLE WILL UNDERSTAND?

No, I’ve never done that. I’d love to find out who does, though! That’s very intriguing.

9.      IF YOUR BOOK WAS TO BE MADE INTO A FILM/TV PROGRAMME, WHICH ACTORS WOULD PLAY WHICH ROLE?

For A Christmas Kiss and A Christmas Wedding at the Castle, I’d have to say Henry Cavill for Zander and Holliday Grainger for Livvie, with a very cheeky black Labrador for Alf’s role!

10.  WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR READERS TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR BOOK?

The same as I hope for myself when reading a book: the opportunity to be transported to a fictional place where I can immerse myself amongst the pages and forget about what’s going on around me. That’s become increasingly important this year.

LASTLY, JENN (THE COMFY CHAIR) LIKES TO ENJOY A GOOD READ SNUGGLED UP WITH A CUP OF TEA AND A PIECE OF CAKE … WHAT CAKE OR SWEET TREAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST TO ACCOMPANY YOUR BOOK?

I can’t think of anything nicer than snuggling up with a book and a large mug of Yorkshire Tea (no sugar, just a splash of milk!) and a couple of ginger biscuits for dunking!

Thank you for your fabulous questions, Jenn, I had great fun answering them. And, if it’s okay with you, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful members of the book community – whether they’re a reader, a blogger or an author – for all of their support and kind words. It’s such a warm, friendly and inclusive community to be part of. Thank you!

My latest release – A Christmas Wedding at the Castle – is my second festive romance novel and book #5 in the Life on the Moors series. It follows straight on from A Christmas Kiss and catches up with Livvie and Zander – and the very cheeky, but adorable black Labrador, Alfred. There are plenty of appearances by the usual cast of friends, and we get to know quite a bit more about the slightly reclusive Freda Easton; she’s their nearest neighbour on the moors. On top of that, a couple of secrets and a last-minute disaster threaten to scupper Livvie and Zander’s plans. It’s a romance story with a thread of friendship running through it and plenty of laughs along the way. As with all of my novels, there’s a happy ending, but the road to it has the odd bump and detour!

If you like the sound of it, you can grab a copy here:

ELIZA J SCOTT - AMAZON UK

ELIZA J SCOTT - AMAZON USA

                                                               

ABOUT ELIZA

Eliza is proud to be a member of the RNA. She lives in a village in the North Yorkshire Moors with her husband, their two daughters and two mischievous black Labradors. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found with her nose in a book/glued to her Kindle or working in her garden, fighting a losing battle against the weeds.

When she's not reading or gardening, Eliza also enjoys bracing walks in the countryside, rounded off by a visit to a teashop where she can indulge in another two of her favourite things: tea and cake. Her biggest weakness is ginger biscuits dunked in tea.
Eliza is inspired by her beautiful surroundings and loves to write heartwarming romance stories with relatable female characters. She enjoys exploring the dynamics of female friendship, with a key feature of her books being how women pull together and support one another when things get tough.
Eliza's novels will always have happy endings.

 Social Media Links –

Twitter:  @ElizaJScott1

Instagram: @elizajscott

Facebook: @elizajscottauthor

Blog: www.elizajscott.com

Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/authors/eliza-j-scott

Amazon Author Page:

UK:  www.amazon.co.uk/Eliza-J-Scott/e/B07DMQWPMH

US: www.amazon.com/Eliza-J-Scott/e/B07DMQWPMH

 

Q&A with Jaimie Admans

 Welcome to The Comfy Chair Blog.... Jaimie Admans, author of 'The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane.'

Jaimie is a 35-year-old English-sounding Welsh girl with an awkward-to-spell name. She lives in South Wales and enjoys writing, gardening, watching horror movies, and drinking tea, although she’s seriously considering marrying her coffee machine. She loves autumn and winter, and singing songs from musicals despite the fact she’s got the voice of a dying hyena. She hates spiders, hot weather, and cheese & onion crisps. She spends far too much time on Twitter and owns too many pairs of boots. She will never have time to read all the books she wants to read.

1.      What was your favourite childhood book/author? 

Judy Blume, no question! I don’t know how old I was when I read my first book by her, but I’d guess around eight or nine, probably a bit young to be reading them, but I found that her books really spoke to me and talked about issues that I had and didn’t realise that other people had them too! My absolute favourite book of hers is Tiger Eyes, which found me at a tough time when I was around twelve, and that was the first time I really connected to a character and felt like the book was written about me.

 

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

I have no idea what inspired me to start. I grew up wanting to tell stories and was always playing around with words and starting stories in different genres, but I think things changed when I started reading romantic comedies and realised that I loved them and that was the kind of thing I wanted to write. As for time, I wrote my first whole novel in 2006 (it was beyond dreadful!) and had no aspirations to get published, I was just doing it because I loved it. I self-published a few books in 2012, and then got my first ‘proper’ publishing deal with a novella in an anthology in 2015, and then my first book deal in 2016, and now I’ve got seven books out and two more scheduled for next year!

 

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

I actually have two – one is an exercise bike desk in the bedroom, it’s literally an exercise bike with a desk for a laptop instead of handlebars, and when I’m feeling lazy (most of the time, to be fair!) I sit in an armchair in the living room with my little netbook on my lap!

 

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

Easiest is planning a book when all the ideas come at once and unexpected things slot together and it all feels fresh and exciting, quickly followed by the first draft, which is the main thing I absolutely love – just getting to escape into another world and live a different life for a while. The hardest part is definitely revisions, when my editor has read the first draft and sends me a letter detailing everything that’s wrong with it, and gives me a few weeks to fix it! I don’t mind them in the sense that I know they make the book better overall, and having someone else look at it and tell you what works and what doesn’t is invaluable, but the process of having to pull apart a book, add things and take things away, and then re-stitch it back together in a way that somehow still makes sense is so daunting for me!

 

5.      Which other authors are you influenced by?

All the other incredible authors who write in my genre, some of whom I’ve been lucky enough to get to know through social media. To see people struggling through first drafts and plodding through revisions, and still produce amazing book after amazing book is inspirational and reminds me that no matter how challenging something is, I can get there too!

 

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

That’s a good one because I think the goalposts move as you move on in your career, if that makes sense? When I started out, all I wanted was a book in paperback, when I got that, I wanted the paperback to be in a shop, and then another paperback in another shop, and so on. Once you get one thing, you always want more. Amazon Top 100 for one book, but then you want it for the next book as well. Generally, I think the ultimate success is just finding readers who love your books, who talk about your books, who wait for your new releases, who really ‘get’ what you’re trying to say and love your characters as much as you do!

 

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

Baby name websites are brilliant! Sometimes characters appear in my head with their names in tow and I know what their names will be before anything else, but more often than not, I end up trawling baby name websites trying to find something that fits (and that I haven’t used before!) Also, whenever I hear a name I like, I write it down in the hopes that it will fit a character at some point in the future!

 

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

I do! There are a couple of certain phrases that I try to sneak into each book in one way or another, and I also try to shoehorn in references to my previous books, usually in the most vague way possible, but I love knowing readers who’ve read them both will get the references!

 

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

James is easy because I pictured an actor while I was writing, and that’s Peter Porte – he’s a gorgeous actor who does the Hallmark-type made-for-TV movies, and Nia’s a bit more difficult because I pictured a real person when I was writing, but I’d like Nia to be played by someone a bit quirky, I think Zooey Deschanel would be the perfect fit for her!

 

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

That you’re never too old to believe in the magic of Christmas! And that nutcrackers are awesome and everyone should have one!

 

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? 

Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate! I’m going to say Peppermint Bark seeing as it’s mentioned a lot in the book, and I made a lot of batches of it while writing for ‘research purposes’!

The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane

Ebook is out now, paperback released on10th December

After making a wish to finally find Prince Charming, Nia accidentally knocks over and breaks a human-sized nutcracker and runs away. When she returns to pay for the damage, she stumbles across a man in exactly the spot where she left the broken nutcracker. A very gorgeous, very charming man. But he couldn't actually be the nutcracker... Could he?

Available HERE

For more information check out:
jaimieadmans.com

and follow on Twitter 

Q&A with MJ Mallon

 Welcome to The Comfy Chair Blog...MJ Mallon

Bio:

My alter ego is MJ - Mary Jane from Spiderman. I love superheros!

On the 17th of November I was born, in Lion City: Singapore, (a passionate Scorpio, with the Chinese Zodiac sign a lucky rabbit.) My early childhood was spent in Hong Kong. During my teen years, my parents returned to my father’s birthplace, Edinburgh, where I spent many happy years. As a teenager, I travelled to many far-flung destinations. It’s rumoured that I now live in the Venice of Cambridge, with my six-foot hunk of a Rock God husband. My two enchanted daughters have almost flown the nest, but often return with a cheery smile to greet me.

During the day, I work in an international sixth form with students from around the world. I’m the meet and greet lady who welcomes them to their new college and issues them with late slips when they don’t get to their lessons on time!

I write YA fantasy, paranormal, horror/supernatural short stories, flash fiction and short form poetry. More recently, I have produced and compiled an anthology/compilation set during the early stages of COVID-19 entitled This Is Lockdown.

I’ve been blogging for many moons at my blog home Kyrosmagica, which means Crystal Magic. From time to time I write articles celebrating the spiritual realm, inspiration and my love of nature, crystals and all things magical, mystical, and mysterious.

My eclectic blog shares my three loves: reading, writing, and creativity. I adore reading and have written over 150 reviews on my blog: https://mjmallon.com/2015/09/28/a-z-of-my-book-reviews/

1.      What was your favourite childhood book/author? 

My favourite childhood author was C. S. Lewis.  I adored The Chronicles of Narnia, and to this day I adore reading and writing about fantastical and magical worlds. I also had a fondness for comic books such as Tintin, Asterix The Gaul and a lesser known Scottish comic strip Oor Willie! 

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

I’m drawn to three inspirational forces: art, clocks, and nature. The structural artworks that inspired me to write The Curse of Time are situated in two different capital cities that I love: Anya Gallacio’s crystal grotto in Juniper Artland, Wilkieston, Edinburgh and the Corpus Christi Chronophage clock in Cambridge - King’s parade.

I’m also inspired by the beauty and mindfulness of nature with frequent wanders in the botanical gardens in Cambridge -  these feature in my poetry, prose and photography collection: Mr. Sagittarius.

I have a day job which restricts my writing time and am easily distracted! My writing journey has been long and eventful. I started blogging and writing about six years ago.

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

Creative chaos! That sums me up. I have to be organised in my day job, but at home I am the complete opposite.

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

The easiest and most fun part is the writing. The hardest part is editing and formatting. I hate editing the most; it frustrates me so much.

5.      Which other authors are you influenced by?

Philip Pullman, Jay Kristoff, Victoria Schwab

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

It’s reading wonderful reviews and selling copies, both here and abroad. I’m a contented person, so I am happy to continue growing and gaining new readers. I think I would shy away from fame and fortune!

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

My youngest daughter Georgina insists she chose my characters’ names in The Curse of Time! With Mr. Sagittarius, I decided to write about a mythical zodiac character, Mr. Sagittarius. The names of the three siblings, the identical twins: Harold, William and their sister Annette just seemed to fit.

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

No, maybe I should? I’ve never tried this. I once wrote about a boss that really annoyed me in a horror short I wrote. It was quite therapeutic.  

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

For The Curse of Time - Candice King would play the main female character, Amelina. The male antagonis - Ryder  - maybe Bill Skarsgard.Ryder is more difficult to cast!

For Mr. Sagittarius - Perhaps someone quirky like Jim Parsons

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

With, the Curse of Time, I’d like my readers to be immersed in the fantasy setting and to be curious to find out what happens to poor Amelina and her family who have fallen prey to a dreadful curse.

In Mr. Sagittarius, the emphasis is very different. This is a light-hearted, magical, whimsical, and humorous read. The underlying themes are the circle of life, family, love and magic!

My latest release, This Is Lockdown, is a collection and anthology set during Lockdown. This anthology/memoir shares my diaries, poetry, photos and flash fiction during this time, and the thoughts, fears, and hopes in poetry, writing and flash fiction from international writers, bloggers and creatives. 

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, you left the most difficult question to last. I love to bake. I’d choose a home made slice of lemon drizzle cake, which I made during lockdown. It was very tasty!

Published Books:

The Curse of Time Book 1 Bloodstone (YA Fantasy)

Mr. Sagittarius - Poetry/ Prose and Photography

This Is Lockdown - My personal diaries, contributions from international authors on the subject of lockdown in poetry and writings, plus my poetry, flash fiction and photography.

I am also a contributor to various anthologies which are all available via my

Author Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L/

The Curse of Time Book 1 Bloodstone

A unique, imaginative mystery full of crystal magic-wielding, and dark elements.

Fifteen-year-old Amelina Scott lives in Cambridge with her dysfunctional family, a mysterious black cat, and an unusual girl Esme who’s imprisoned within the mirrors located in her house. When an unexpected message arrives inviting Amelina to visit the Crystal Cottage, she sets off on a forbidden pathway where she encounters Ryder, a charismatic, but perplexing stranger. With the help of a magical paint set, and some crystal wizard stones, she discovers the truth about a shocking curse that has destroyed her family’s happiness. A magical YA/paranormal fantasy with dark elements set in Cambridge, England.

Mr. Sagittarius

Twin brothers Harold and William love the magic of the natural world.

When Harold dies he leaves a simple memorial request.

Will his brother William and his sister Annette honour it?

Or, will the garden work its magic to ensure that they do.

This Is Lockdown

This anthology and compilation is for everyone wherever you live in the world. We are all experiencing the impact of COVID-19 and lockdown. As writers, bloggers and creatives we express our thoughts and opinions in writing: in heartfelt poetry, pieces on isolation and the impact of COVID-19 and the ‘new normal.’ There are twenty-eight talented contributors, including the creative NHS Mask Making Fundraising Team of Jane Horwood and Melissa Santiago Val. The contributors come from as far afield as Australia, Canada, USA and Zimbabwe, or closer to my current home in England - in Ireland, Scotland and Italy.

It is as Willow Willers, a contributor, said, ‘A piece of living history.’

Social Media:

Authors Website: https://mjmallon.com

Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook #ABRSC:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon 

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-j-mallon 

Published Articles:

Feature and Excerpt for The Curse of Time: https://issuu.com/electricpress/docs/epnovember2020

Feature for This Is Lockdown: https://lightboxoriginals.com/difficult-times/

Feature for Mr. Sagittarius: https://lightboxoriginals.com/lollipop-leaves/

Poetry: https://spillwords.com/the-magic-of-the-dragonfly/

Feature about Prologues: https://sachablack.co.uk/2018/04/08/prologues/ 

Q&A with Leonie Mack

Welcome to The Comfy Chair Blog.... Leonie Mack, author of 'My Christmas Number One.'

About Leonie:

Leonie Mack is an author of fun contemporary romance with engaging characters, sparky dialogue and settings that will whisk you away to new places. She loves a happy ending and shares that love in every book she writes!

Leonie is a journalism graduate, a language nut and loves to travel, particularly on foot, by bike and by train. After growing up in Australia and living most of her adult life in London, she now lives in Germany, among the vineyards along the Main river.

1.    What was your favourite childhood book/author? 
The book I read the most times as a child was The Enchanted Wood by Enid Blyton. I loved all the characters and the endless adventures at the top of a magical tree.

2.    What inspired you to start writing and how long has it taken you to get to this point?
I have always written stories—as soon as I learned to write, I started writing stories. I wrote for myself, as a hobby, for years before I got serious about learning to plot a novel, about three years ago. I wrote My Christmas Number One last year. It was the third book I’ve tried to get published and the first one that’s made it!

3.    Describe your writing space - neat and ordered or creative chaos? 
My writing space has typically been wherever I manage to set up. I have small children, so no space for a dedicated office. I wrote most of My Christmas Number One at the dining table! But now I have a desk in the living room

4.    What is the easiest and hardest part of the writing process?
I love writing romances. Crafting the story is the best job in the world. I love getting deep inside the characters and winding up the emotional (and sexual!) tension. The most difficult part is the hard slog of endlessly proofreading! That, and waiting for Christmas, in the case of this book!

5.    Which other authors are you influenced by?
 I am a romance nut and my early writing influences were the American authors Nora Roberts and Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Now I enjoy reading romcoms by lots of fabulous British authors like Portia Macintosh and Lucy Keeling.

6.      What does literary success “look” like to you?
My goal is to keep writing. My books need to do well enough that I can keep bringing out books! I was fortunate to get a contract for two books, so my second will be out next year and hopefully by then I’ll be on a path to more books!

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

           Some characters are really easy to name. In My Christmas Number One, Cara’s name was just hers, right from the beginning. It just worked well for her. Other times, I’ve had to change a character’s name partway through (which is a nightmare of Find and Replace). I use lists and naming statistics and name origin websites to make sure the name is appropriate. For secondary characters, I often look for similar people in real life. For example, the character of Susana in My Christmas Number One has the middle name of famous Mexican singer Paulina Rubio.

8.    Do you hide any secret ‘messages’ in your book that only a few people will understand?
There aren’t any secret messages per se, but there are a lot of song lyrics that made their way into the book—not quotes or exact wording, but paraphrased. There are several songs in Spanish I was listening to while writing that have references to cupid’s arrow and bullets of love, ‘getting lost’ together, being addicted to someone and even the Colombian saying that is part of Javi’s character arc (‘You don’t have to drink the water; let it run’) is actually in a song. The character of Javi came directly out of these love songs in Spanish, although he becomes a lot more than that as the story goes on.

9.    If your book was to be made into a film/TV programme, which actors would play which role?
I would love to see this story come alive on screen with all the music and drama! I didn’t have any celebrities in mind when I was writing, but one reader suggested Emily Blunt for Cara and I love that. That reader suggested the American actor Benjamin Bratt for Javi, which I also quite like. Another suggestion I’ve had from a reviewer was Gael Garcia Bernal for Javi and I like that idea, too. He would bring the appropriate brooding under the surface.

10.  What do you hope your readers take away from your book?
I want the readers to have a complete escape. I want readers to feel the heart-pounding chemistry of falling in love. With this book, I also want readers to see that everyone, no matter what haunts them from the past or what struggles they have in the present, can fall in love and learn to enjoy Christmas again.

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? 

My Christmas Number One is best enjoyed with a mojito and some Christmas pudding! 

My Christmas Number One
Available HERE

There’s nothing quite like a Christmas love story, to get you in the mood for celebrating…

Cara doesn’t do sexy and she only does ‘Happy Christmas’ under duress. She is, after all, a serious musician, and her stubborn streak is born from her struggle to recover from a serious injury.

Javi lives for escapist fun - in his music, and in his life - especially since he’s always failed at life’s more serious challenges, including marriage and fatherhood.

Javi and Cara are forced to record a Christmas single together, but neither of them have plans to spend any more time with each other than they absolutely have to. With Christmas traditions that couldn’t be more different, and outlooks on life that are worlds apart, the chemistry just shouldn’t work. But the magic of Christmas can bring even opposites together…

From the snowy beauty of London at Christmas, to the candle-lit magic of Javi’s traditional family celebrations, let Leonie Mack whisk you away on a memorable festive adventure. Perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley, Mandy Baggot and Holly Martin.