I had the great pleasure of interviewing Linda Finlay for Frost Magazine recently. Linda is one of my favourite authors and it was fascinating to go ‘behind the scenes’ and learn more about the way she  works to create such evocative novels. Farringdon’s Fate is her latest, and I loved it. So here we go:

1. Who are your favourite and least favourite characters from Farringdon’s Fate and why ?I

I love most of the characters I created in Farringdon’s Fate, but my favourite has to be Jane because despite her unfortunate start in life, through sheer hard work and determination she becomes a successful corsetiere. My least favourite would have to be Parson Preetcher who was out to make money by exploiting young, vulnerable women. A total cad.

2. What was the hardest scene to write and why ?

The hardest scene to write was where the young girls go missing – and when people read the book, they will see why I needed a box of tissues beside me.

3. How did you develop the plot and the characters? Where did you draw inspiration from ?

For each book I have to find my craft first and a visit to the most beautiful lingerie shop in Exeter provided the initial inspiration. Learning how corsets were made in Victorian times was the next task and proved most enlightening. I wanted to set a young businesswoman in 1850’s up against ladies of privilege and a local manor house proved my next light bulb moment.

4. What significant changes were made to Farringdon’s Fate since the first draft ?

Luckily there weren’t any significant changes to the actual plot although my wonderful editor and copy editor had their input, adding sparkle and ironing out the creases.

5. Farringdon’s Fate is set in Devon and Exeter, did you visit these places for research?

I always visit the locations my novels are set in so that I can actually feel and soak up the atmosphere. Although the manor house is sadly now empty, my niece’s wedding reception was held there so I have memories and photos of the inside which proved most helpful.

6. When you create your characters do you base them on film characters/ people you have met ? For example when I first met Charlotte I could not help but picture her as the evil step -other from Cinderella.

I actually dream up my characters, who sometimes surprise me with the way they develop. However, I can see what you mean about Charlotte. In her defence, she was an unhappy and unfulfilled woman who did try to help her stepdaughters although she wanted to shine herself.

7. Was Farringdon’s Fate written during lockdown? If so how did the experience differ from when you wrote your previous books ?

Most of Farringdon was written during lockdown, which was fine at first, but I did begin to miss outside stimulus! I am an avid people watcher!

8. Was there ever a different ending in store ?

No, the ending was always going to be this way. Hopeful rather than sentimental and with an eye to the Farringdon’s future.

9. What does 2022 have in store for you and your fans ?

Well, Farringdon 2 is with my editor at the moment, so the saga continues. I also have many ideas for future development – so here’s hoping.

Farringdon’s Fate by Linda Finleyis available here