faq
What made you start writing especially with your business interests?
I don’t believe there was a specific time or point but it’s something I always wanted to do. I started in April 2013 so to me that felt right. My business is very important to me and something I’ve built up over many years. Now I’m able to combine the two and in fact can utilise my business background by incorporating my experiences into the writing.
What is the background behind the story and the genre?
I liked the idea of having a strong businesswoman as my protagonist, which Cydney is, and to investigate the thought processes behind her actions. I started writing as a memoire for my family but I ran out of stories to be honest. I have always loved thrillers and the story wrote itself in that respect. The book fits into different genres. As Cydney is also a psychic medium, I thought it would be more than interesting for her to have inside knowledge of people’s agenda and advice to help her during her investigations.
How did you characterise Cydney? Do you see herself in you?
Well obviously you write about what you know, but novels are not real life. She is a businesswoman, so I do see myself in her, but a novel gives you literary licence to expand. Some traits are very similar, considering my background and hers, but I can separate myself. I do admire her character.
Cydney talks a lot about her dad? Was this intentional? Tell me about him. What about your mum?
My dad was an extremely strong influence in my childhood but he died very young when I was 12. He taught me to be the person I am today. When I read the story back, I realised how much of him was in the book – it was almost subliminal.
Dad came from Germany and escaped in 1939 with the Kindertransport. He was an amazing man who died so young before he had a chance to fulfil his potential.
My mum passed away 20 years ago. She brought me, my sister and two brothers up single-handedly and tried to give us as much as she could with hardly any money. She was not a particularly strong woman on the outside but she was selfless and we always came first. Her strength was quietly in the background supporting and loving us all equally.
What about your other characters?
I love all the characters in my books. I have lived with them for so many years and they are all very important to me. I know how they would think and behave. It’s like having close friends.
How did you decide on the title?
I have to say it more or less decided itself. I always read books, having a background in languages and literature. I realised how important a title is as it’s the first thing people look at and it has to depict the book.
How did the book cover come about?
Deciding on the cover was one of the hardest aspects ever. It had to be right and give the right message to my readers. We went through various trials and even put it out to the general public and friends until we reached a conclusion.
What books or authors do you like?
I have always loved the classics, adventure stories and thrillers, and historical novels. Wilbur Smith, Ken Follett, and John Grisham, are my favourites. They entice the reader into their stories through their descriptions. I realise now how difficult that is but I am learning all the time. I do read many genres also, and sometimes just like a light novel, but I always take note of style and content and have great respect for the authors.
Has writing changed the way read books?
Yes, incredibly. I look at structure and how important this is, and I appreciate descriptions. Plus I notice mistakes. I can now understand how much effort goes behind a writer’s work to portray scenes and make the reader see through your eyes as a writer. That takes time and skill.
What is the most challenging aspect?
Continuity – it’s a bit like a jigsaw puzzle especially with three stories going on which need to intertwine and reach conclusions so your reader is left with no ends untied, and it becomes even more difficult once you reach 40,000 words plus. Also the characters change continuously depending on the circumstances in which you place them. They become actual people with minds of their own and thought processes so you have to always follow those and expand with them.
How important is an editor?
Vital, especially for continuity. Also an editor will give you unbiased advice on the storyline. Mine got me to add in chapters which she thought were missing, plus move scenes around to make it more exciting. It is such an integral part to your writing and an editor should never be underestimated. I would add, it has to be someone you get on with and have a similar perspective, and who can understand you. I was very lucky in that.
And the importance of research?
Very important as you need to include the right details and events for your reader as there will always be someone to tell you if you are wrong. Obviously, as an author, you do have some literary licence but I like to stay as close as possible to the truth. Google makes life easier now of course but that is not enough for me. I find interviewing people who have gone through similar circumstances to my characters is not only historically interesting and factual, but helps you mould the characters and events.
What is your advice to someone writing a book for the first time?
Get straight in your mind as to the type of book you want to write. What do you know yourself without having to do tremendous research. Keep it true to the characters and events but also be true to yourself, write for yourself and do so with honesty and integrity. That is really what I have tried to do.
Who do you write for?
I write for me as I enjoy it so much. It is an absolute passion. However, I always have my reader in mind as that is important to me.
What is your writing structure?
Not sure I have one. I usually write in the evenings and weekends. I keep a notebook by the side of the bed in case I get an idea in the middle of the night, and sometimes I dictate sentences in my phone when a description comes to mind that I love. I don’t keep cards planning out chapters which I know works for a lot of authors. I do normally have a written timeline of events, and in Where in the Dark I actually set up a family tree to get the names and dates of births/deaths correct.
Who was the first person to read your novel?
My husband, Peter, and then my daughter, Rosanna. They both encouraged me to continue. All my family and friends were a bit surprised to be honest.
Do you have any key messages?
Cydney is inspirational and proof that women can be successful on their own terms. Also the spiritual side as I personally find it comforting to know that my parents are looking over me.
What would be the most controversial aspect?
I suppose the way I have used spirituality. Some people will be sceptical but it has been proven that premonitions do come true, which is quite a scary thought.
To whom do you owe your success?
Not easy to answer as you have to have this in yourself to start with – the ability to want to be successful. However, losing my dad at such an early age gave me the instinct to survive and do well as I had to support my family. I am hard on myself.
What advice would you give to anyone writing?
Be true to yourself. Write for yourself and do so with honesty and integrity. That is really what I have tried to do.
Who would you like to read your book?
John Grisham probably. I would like him to know that I can write a thriller also. He started off as a lawyer and kept to what he knows best. That’s what I have done. I would love his opinion.
What did you feel when first held your book?
It was a defining moment in my career and absolute amazement to have got this far. Incredible feeling. You’ve worked so hard for something and now it’s actually a tangible thing.
What are your personal and professional goals?
I do feel I have achieved so much in my business career but being a writer is a personal goal for me and something I have wanted for a very long time. I would like to be recognised for that. I also hope people read and enjoy what I have written.
Is there a sequel in the pipeline?
Yes, “A Thousand Silent Cries.” How could I possibly leave Cydney? It follows Cydney and her family and a new investigation involving the IRA this time. Publishing date to be advised.
How are your books different?
Because I wrote them! Seriously though, my books are white crime written on a personal level involving insider dealing, fraud, blackmail and murder, with a touch of the paranormal and romance. It encompasses everything a reader could want so I hope I have catered for every taste. I do like to delve into the psyche of my characters, why they take the actions they do, their moral compass. In my second novel, the escaped Nazi is a mass murderer so I questioned why and what was there in his background to make him so. However, these are questions we may never understand and many people have tried before me.
What do people say when you tell them you’ve written a book?
Can’t believe it! And you know something, neither can I!
