Author of Prime Deception
When did you realize that you wanted to become
a writer?
I’ve loved writing
since I was very young. It has always been my goal to be a writer as I’m at my
happiest when I’m creating stories.
Is being an Author all you dreamed of, or did
it just happen? The best and worst thing about it?
I wrote my first full
length novel at 23 because I was on long term sick leave from my job and didn’t
want to waste the time. After writing that first book I was completely hooked
and haven’t stopped writing since. If I’d not been sick, I’d probably never
have gotten round to doing it so I’m grateful for that time I had.
The best part of
being an author is being able to dedicate my time to something which I love. I
love creating characters and stories and feel privileged to be able to do so
full time.
The worst part would
be the loneliness. You create your stories in a vacuum and so when you’ve
written something extremely tough, or happy, you have no one around to share
the experience with.
What was the very first thing you ever wrote?
When I was about five
or six I created a magazine series about a stick character called Pod. He had
daily adventures like walking his dog or going to the shops.
During my teens I
became obsessed with the Point Horror series and used to spend my weekends
writing short horror stories and creating book covers for them. I still have a
folder full of them lurking somewhere in my attic!
What made you create (your book)? How did it come to you?
I got the initial
idea around the time of the last British general election. I’ve never ardently
followed politics and wondered what would make me more interested in it all. I
figured a decent scandal would make it all more appealing and from that first
thought, Prime Deception was
eventually born.
Who is your literary hero?
Posy Fossil from Noel
Streatfeild’s Ballet Shoes. Growing up I loved ballet and admired her
determination and tenacity in going after her dream to dance at such a young
age. All the Fossil girls were strong and brave but Posy was always my favorite
and I used to want to be her!
How much of your characters are based on your
traits or someone you know personally?
Probably none. I
don’t really draw on anything in my own life when creating my characters. Small
bits might enter the story, like books I’ve read or something I’ve recently
eaten, but in terms of character traits any likeness to anyone I know is purely
coincidental.
Describe your main character in six words.
I’d describe the character of Laurie Thomas as; loyal, lost,
alone, brave, scared, sad.
Describe the world you’ve created in six words.
London, Lies,
Romance, Politics, Sisters, Secrets
What scene was your favorite to write?
I enjoyed writing the
flash back scenes between Laurie and her twin sister Lorna. I liked exploring
their relationship and also highlighting the subtle differences between them.
What scene was the hardest for you to write?
Emotional scenes are
always hard as they can be really draining. Writing about Charles’ initial
reaction to Lorna’s death was tough as he was man bereft and I had to explore
all the emotions he was dealing with.
What are you working on now?
I’ve got a YA series
out in the Autumn which I’m currently working on with my editor and am also
writing a stand-alone fantasy thriller which is partly set in London and
Manchester.
Goals? Accomplishments? Improvements?
Goals – to continue
writing books and hopefully one day walk in to my local bookstore and see my
book in the bestsellers list!
Accomplishments – I’m
proud of all my books and am always smiling whenever I see someone has enjoyed
one of my stories, that is an amazing feeling
Improvements – I’d
like to think that with each book I write my writing improves. I’m still
evolving as a writer.
Are there any authors or books you recommend?
I highly recommend
anything by John Green, especially The
Fault in Our Stars. He’s an amazing YA writer.
What's your favorite thing to do when you're
not writing?
Catch up on my
favorite TV shows like Vampire Diaries
or Grey’s Anatomy. I also love
walking my dog through the woodlands near my home as it’s really peaceful there
and helps me clear my head.
