Diary of an Author In The Run Up To Publication.

My first fiction book, Ember, came out in 2022. As a baby author my overwhelm was helped by being part of a debut group. I was so grateful to become a published author that I was naive. It was a big rollercoaster of emotions as I tried to make my way. Before And After The Book Deal by Courtney Maum was a lifesaver. Full of great advice. It’s like having someone to hold your hand through a tough journey.

I am two weeks out from publication day on my second book. This is not a drill. Where The Light is Hottest will be out on February 27th. I am excited and stressed all at the same time. I wrote a piece about the book for The Sunday Times. I am also doing a good number of events and podcast interviews in the future.

I don’t think people realise how much work goes into being a writer. There are endless trips to the post office (over £17 to post four books. Yikes), interviews and an endless amount of emails. Months and years can go into the publication of a book. I signed the contract in July 2023. I wrote the first draft of the book nine years ago. I entered it into The Good Housekeeping writing competition. I was upset when it didn’t win but it wasn’t ready then. Nowhere near it. I finally got the book where I wanted it to be by reading other books with the same energy.

Where The Light is Hottest, Catherine Yardley, Balavage

Where The Light is Hottest is based on my experiences in the film industry. It has lots of gossip and backstabbing. It has female friendship and is a feminist tale of survival and what it takes to achieve your dreams.. The main character, Natasha Jones, is Scottish and some of the book is set in Lanarkshire, Scotland. It is also set in London, New York, LA and Gstaad. It is dual timeline, told from the past as Natasha makes it, alongside her friends Scarlet and Claudia from drama school, and in the present as people try to bring her down. She is a famous, Oscar-winning, actress and dark forces are at work. Spreading rumours and sharing stories about her to Popbitch. If any of this sounds like your thing you can preorder here: https://tinyurl.com/Where-The-Light-is-Hottest 

I will be writing a lot about author life. So keep an eye out for more.

The Must-Have Bras for Every Occasion and Outfit

Exquisite styling and perfect-fitting bras can completely transform a woman’s silhouette. You may have the trendiest clothes, the most envied make-up palette, or the hottest accessory, but without the right bra, you would be missing out on your complete look. The lingerie you style yourself in has the power to either make or break your ensemble. 

Your selection of bras shouldn’t just be based on your clothing style or preference, but also on your body shape and the comfort it offers. Let’s explore the must-have bras for every occasion and outfit that will help you look sensational and feel confident.

Bold and Beautiful: Sexy Push-Up Bras

For those times when you need a little boost of confidence, a sexy push up bra can be your best friend. Not only does it enhance your figure, creating more volume and a voluptuous silhouette, but it also provides abundant support. It’s especially a good choice for ladies who don a plunging neckline. Such bras are crafted with padding that could either be removable or built-in and give an alluring lift to your form. Enhance your cocktail attire or those sophisticated evening gowns with a sexy push up bra and embrace the bold and beautiful in you.

Confidence at Work: T-Shirt Bras

When it comes to daily office or casual wear outfits, a T-shirt bra makes it to the top of the list. Its smooth, seamless finish makes it invisible under your tightest T-shirts, thin fabrics, or form-fitting apparel. This undergarment offers a clean, defined shape without any awkward lines showing through. Adding a dose of comfort to your long working hours, these bras could also have padded cups for no-show confidence that crucially accentuates your daily wear.

Sporty and Supple: Sports Bras

Hit the gym or pursue any athletic activity without compromising on comfort with sports bras. These practical intimates are designed to limit movement and offer maximum support during rigorous exercises. Built with breathable fabrics to wick away sweat, they immensely reduce discomfort and the risk of wear and tear. Choose a sports bra that complements your workout outfit and helps you perform at your peak without worry!

Elegantly Versatile: Convertible Bras

Convertible bras are the true transformers in the world of lingerie. Providing unrivaled versatility, they can easily adapt into a halter, strapless, or criss-cross style, adhering to the needs of your outfit. So, whether it’s a strappy summer dress, a sophisticated backless evening gown, an off-shoulder top, or a tricky neckline, the convertible bra complements every outfit effortlessly and elegantly.

Understated Beauty: Balconette Bras

Less coverage and wider straps make balconette bras the perfect choice for wide necklines and square-neck outfits. Giving a gentle lift to the bust, they create a fuller-looking bust-line enhancing the beauty of your attire. These bras, with their lower-cut cups and shorter wires, exude an understated beauty that easily matches your more daring outfits.

A Matter of Comfort: Wireless Bras

Choosing a bra shouldn’t settle down to just enhancing the outfit; it also has to encapsulate your comfort zone. Wireless bras offer not only softer and more natural support but also timeless ease. Ideal for loungewear or sleepwear, they cater to a cozy, snuggly feeling while giving you a relaxed fit.

Summing up, owning the right kind of bras can add unparalleled finesse to your outfits and boost your confidence at every event. What’s essential is keeping in mind the occasion, your body type, comfort level, and dress type while selecting the most appropriate bras. Treat yourself to an array of these must-have bras and enable your wardrobe to truly shine for every occasion and outfit.

Swimsuit Trends for Your Next Holiday: What’s In and What’s Out

As we all know, fashion trends are dynamic; they are always changing and evolving. The same applies to swimwear. Be it a relaxed beach holiday or a bustling pool party, your choice of swimwear can make or break your look. If you are already planning your next holiday and want to upgrade your swimwear wardrobe, you are in luck. This article will help you stay ahead of the game by bringing you the latest swimsuit trends in 2025. Let’s dive right in!

A Fashionable Splash: Current Women’s Swimwear Trends

Swimwear trends are constantly evolving, bringing fresh and stylish designs each season. On top of the list is the trend of sexy swimwear for women. Swimwear designers have cleverly combined chic and sassy touches this year to elevate the traditional swimsuit into a powerful style statement. High-leg bikini bottoms that emphasize length and curves, as well as strappy, crisscross detailing for added allure have taken the lead in the sexy swimwear trend. 

Belted Swimsuits: A Stylish Cinch

Another big trend in this year’s swimwear fashion is the belted swimsuit. Inspired by the 80s, this swimwear trend is a win-win scenario for both fashion and functionality. The belt creates an instant hourglass shape and adds a glamorous touch to your beach or pool ensemble.

Animal Prints: Never Going Out of Style

There seems to be no taming of the animal print in beach fashion. From leopard print bikinis to snakeskin one-pieces, animal print swimwear continues to rule the fashion world. These bold, eye-catching prints can add an exciting and exotic twist to your beach look.

Swimwear “Out” or Less Trendy in 2025

While it’s essential to consider the trends that are “in,” it’s equally crucial to know the ones currently less popular. Ruffled swimwear and neon-colored outfits are finding less favor among beachgoers this year. 

Ruffled Swimwear: Not Top of the Wave Anymore

Ruffled swimsuits have witnessed a decline in popularity. Although they were once seen as a fun, feminine touch to a poolside look, this year, fashion enthusiasts seem to prefer sleeker, more refined styles rather than the frilly aesthetic.

Neon Swimwear: A Downward Trend 

After ruling the summers for a couple of years, neon-colored swimwear seems to be losing its charm. It appears that the trend has shifted towards more earthy tones, including olive, rust, and brown. These colors offer a subtler look and often compliment different skin tones better.

In a Nutshell

The verdict on 2025 swimsuit trends embraces a combination of style, sophistication, and exotic allure. Sexy swimwear designs, belted swimsuits, and animal prints are dominating the scene. At the same time, conventional styles like ruffles and neon colors are on a downward trend. 

So, it’s time to pack up and update your swimwear collection with the year’s most desirable trends. Whether it’s a sexy bikini with crisscross detailing, a belted one-piece that enhances your figure, or a daring animal print suit, be sure to make a splash on your next vacation and look confident in all your holiday photos! After all, the right swimwear should flatter your body and boost your confidence as you strike your best poses by the pool or on the beach.

Interview With The Deadly Spark Author Roxie Key

Did you always want to be a writer?

I think so. I used to write short stories about my childhood pet cats as superheroes. I didn’t think too much of it until I was tasked with writing a short story for my GCSE coursework. My English teacher told me I should be a writer, and something clicked in my brain. That’s when I knew. After completing my creative writing degree, I attempted to write several children’s fantasy stories before I realised that takes a certain kind of brain – one which I don’t possess! It wasn’t until I picked up Jane Casey’s The Missing, I thought yes! Maybe I could do this. And the more crime fiction I read, the more certain I became that it was what I wanted to do.

What books did you read growing up?

I was an Enid Blyton kinda kid. I had alllll the books. My dad used to read me bedtime stories every night he was home without fail, and we worked our way through The Famous Five series pretty quickly. I remember reading a lot of Dick King Smith, and later went on to discover the Harry Potter series which I fully immersed myself in to. When I got older, I was really into The Lord of the Rings and Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy. I truly didn’t see the crime fiction obsession coming!

What was the idea behind The Deadly Spark?

A few things sparked the idea, one of which I can’t tell you about as it’ll reveal something I really don’t want you to know yet… the killer’s identity! But honestly? The reason I wanted to write about a deadly fire was because it’s one of my biggest phobias, ever since we were shown a video at primary school about how quickly a house can go up in flames. Fire is so beautiful but so destructive, so dramatic, and the mental image of a burning house is so emotive, so naturally, it’s great to write about. And of course, I find inspiration in everything I read, from Gillian McAllister’s incredible characterisation and Louise Jensen’s beautiful description, to Jane Casey’s expert procedural plotting and Clare Mackintosh’s killer twists and reveals.

Can you tell us about your publishing journey?

I started writing The Deadly Spark in the summer of 2019, just after my honeymoon. After many, many rejections, I finally met my dream literary agent Maddalena Cavaciuti on Twitter in 2020. We polished the manuscript together, and landed a contract with HQ early 2021, and it’s been a rollercoaster ever since – not just the publishing journey, but I also managed to have a baby in that time. The book finally launched in May 2024, and I spent 6 months in a bit of a whirlwind of author events, sending out press releases and refreshing the reviews pages. I’m currently out of contract and excited at the idea of working with a new publisher!

What’s your writing routine?

I like to have each act and each chapter planned so I know more or less what’s happening. That way I find the writing and creativity flows better as I’m not worrying so much about plot issues further down the line. Once it’s all planned out, chapter by chapter, I snatch any time I can between my full-time job and parenting my crazy toddler, and write what I can when I can (and try not to stress about it). I can’t have dedicated writing time with my current situation so things are a bit slower than I’d like them to be.

Who are your favourite authors and books?

As mentioned above, I’m a huge fan of Gillian McAllister, Louise Jensen, Jane Casey and Clare Mackintosh – these are the authors I’ll read anything they’ve ever written. I’ve recently discovered Erin Kelly after reading The House of Mirrors and now I’m a little bit obsessed. Louise Minchin’s Isolation Island was SO good, Rob Parker’s The Troubled Deep was absolutely brilliant, and Robert Rutherford’s Seven Days was addictive. I do occasionally read outside of the crime fiction genre – although it doesn’t happen often – and I recently fell in love with Rachel Greenlaw’s Compass & Blade… a stunning book. 

What’s your favourite thing about being a writer?

It has to be reading people’s responses to the book. Luckily for me, they’ve been mostly positive, so reading reviews, seeing social media posts about it, and attending book club meet ups has been such a lovely experience. I’ve also really enjoyed being on author panel events during my debut year – they were a LOT of fun.

And the least?

The waiting… the uncertainty… the fear of failure and rejection. I’m not sure if I can pick just one. There’s a lot to deal with along the way, and I don’t think I felt like a real author until the first time I walked into Waterstones and saw my book sitting on the shelf. Imposter syndrome is a big issue for a lot of authors I’ve spoken to, and it’s pretty hard to shake it off.

What’s next? 

I have a few things on the go. The follow up to The Deadly Spark is almost finished, and I need to find a home for it. I’m working on a standalone thriller which I can’t reveal too much about just yet, but I’m super excited about it. And I’m dabbling in the world of lesbian rom coms with a new idea that I want to get stuck into. I’ve also got my first piece in Mslexia Magazine being published in March, and it’s all about marketing ideas for authors – do check it out if you can!

www.roxiekey.com

THE DEADLY SPARK
published by HQ (HarperCollins)

Roxie Key is a crime thriller author from Northampton, where she lives with her wife, Laura, and their daughter, Hallie. She has always been a writer; although the stories she wrote as a child about her pets will never see the light of day, she knew from a young age that one day she wanted to see her name on a book cover. Roxie studied Creative & Media Writing at Middlesex University and then went on to become a copywriter for a global brand. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found swimming, reading, or gaming.

Bright Ideas for Your Outdoor Space: Lighting Tips and Trends

Creating an inviting outdoor space can enhance your home’s aesthetic and functionality. A well-lit exterior provides safety and elevates the overall appeal of your property, making it an ideal setting for relaxation and entertainment. As trends shift towards more integrated outdoor living areas, lighting plays a pivotal role in achieving a seamless flow from indoor to outdoor spaces.

The Impact of Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting serves multiple purposes beyond mere visibility. It enhances safety, highlights the beauty of your landscaping, and can even extend the usability of outdoor spaces into the evening. High-quality fixtures from durable materials ensure they withstand the elements while maintaining their aesthetic appeal. Choosing products that reflect your style can enhance the atmosphere of your outdoor areas, turning them into intimate settings for gatherings or peaceful retreats.

When selecting fixtures, consider the various options available. From sleek modern designs to timeless classics, the choices are aplenty. You might want to explore the garden lighting collection at Corston for a range of options that match your taste. The finish of the hardware also plays an essential role; finishes like antique brass or polished nickel can complement your home’s architecture while providing a sophisticated touch. Incorporating diverse styles allows you to create a cohesive look throughout your outdoor spaces.

Popular Trends in Outdoor Illumination

Innovative designs in outdoor illumination have gained popularity, reflecting the shift towards personalised outdoor environments. One current trend is the use of integrated lighting in landscaping, where lights are subtly embedded within the surroundings to create a magical glow that doesn’t overpower the space’s natural beauty. These solutions are perfect for accentuating pathways or highlighting the contours of garden beds without becoming obtrusive.

Another exciting trend is the rise of smart lighting solutions, allowing homeowners to control their outdoor lighting easily. This technology enables you to adjust brightness levels and sets schedules for when your lights should come on, enhancing security and energy efficiency. Combining functionality with style, these fixtures can be tailored to suit any occasion, from festive gatherings to quiet evenings under the stars.

Practical Tips for Implementing Outdoor Illumination

When planning your outdoor lighting, it’s crucial to consider the layout of your space. Begin by identifying key areas you want to illuminate, such as seating areas, pathways, and focal points like trees or sculptures. Layering your lighting by incorporating various types—ambient, task, and accent—will create depth and variety in your outdoor environment.

For instance, pendant lights or wall-mounted fixtures can provide ambient lighting for dining areas, while smaller, focused lights can highlight specific garden features or plants. Incorporating dimmer switches in your fixtures allows you to tailor the mood for different occasions.

Integrating high-quality fixtures with timeless designs can ensure your outdoor lighting remains stylish. These choices enhance the beauty of your home and increase its value and appeal.

The Role of Different Light Sources

Different types of light sources can significantly affect the mood and functionality of your outdoor space. LED lights are increasingly popular due to their energy efficiency and longevity, making them an excellent choice for eco-conscious homeowners. These lights are available in various colour temperatures, allowing you to create the desired atmosphere, whether warm and inviting or cool and refreshing.

Solar-powered lights are another sustainable option, harnessing sunlight to illuminate your outdoor areas at night. They are easy to install and come in numerous designs, from stake lights to wall sconces. These fixtures can enhance garden aesthetics while reducing reliance on electricity.

Traditional incandescent bulbs, whilst less energy efficient, are still favoured for their warm glow, making them ideal for creating a cosy atmosphere. Combining various light sources can help you achieve a balanced look catering to functionality and style.

Creating Zones with Lighting

Defining different zones in your outdoor environment can enhance both functionality and visual appeal. For instance, a dining area can be distinguished with hanging lights or chandeliers, while a lounge area can utilise softer, warmer lighting that invites relaxation. By strategically placing lighting fixtures, you can guide the flow of movement through the space and create inviting nooks for social interaction.

Use path lights to lead guests along walkways, ensuring safety and direction while showcasing your landscaping. Meanwhile, uplighting can accentuate trees or architectural features, drawing the eye upwards and adding depth to your outdoor environment. Implementing these techniques fosters a sense of organisation and encourages exploration of your outdoor spaces.

The Aesthetic Benefits of Lighting

Beyond practicality, outdoor lighting offers significant aesthetic benefits. Thoughtfully illuminated spaces can enhance your home’s architectural features and highlight the beauty of your landscaping. Spotlights can draw attention to unique plants or art pieces, creating visual interest and layering effects.

Moreover, lighting can influence how colours are perceived in your outdoor environment. Warm lights enhance earthy tones, making plants and surfaces appear more vibrant, while cooler lights create a serene and modern feel. Experimenting with different placements and styles can yield stunning results that elevate your outdoor design.

Enhancing Security with Outdoor Lighting

Effective outdoor lighting is a critical component of home security. Well-lit areas deter potential intruders by eliminating dark spots that might otherwise provide cover. Consider installing motion-activated lights at entry points such as front doors, driveways, and garages. These fixtures automatically illuminate when movement is detected, adding a layer of safety.

Pathway lighting also plays a significant role in security. Illuminating walkways guide guests to your front door and reduce the risk of accidents caused by uneven surfaces. Security lights should be positioned to cover vulnerable spots around your property, creating a sense of safety for you and your visitors.

Incorporating Lighting in Outdoor Furniture

Utilising lighting within outdoor furniture can enhance both functionality and aesthetics. For instance, tables can have built-in LED lights that provide soft illumination during meals or gatherings. Additionally, benches with under-lighting can create a striking visual effect, especially during evening events.

Outdoor umbrellas with integrated lighting allow for stylish dining experiences after dusk, providing illumination without compromising the overall look of your outdoor setup. These innovations make outdoor living spaces more versatile, turning them into vibrant gathering spots regardless of the time of day.

Seasonal Lighting Adjustments

Adjusting your outdoor lighting based on the seasons can keep your spaces fresh and inviting throughout the year. During the warmer months, consider using softer lighting to create a relaxed atmosphere for alfresco dining or late-night gatherings. In contrast, brighter lights can enhance daylight during autumn when shorter days signal earlier evenings.

For winter festivities, festive lighting can create a magical atmosphere. String lights or lanterns can accentuate architectural features and trees, bringing warmth and cheer to the chilly season. Embracing seasonal changes lets you adapt your outdoor environment to reflect the time of year, making it feel alive and dynamic.

Using Colour in Outdoor Lighting

Integrating colour into your outdoor lighting scheme can add an exciting dimension to your space. Coloured filters or bulbs can create themed lighting for special occasions like holidays or celebrations. For example, green and red Christmas lights or soft pastels for spring gatherings can enhance the festive spirit.

Additionally, strategically placed coloured lights can highlight specific landscape features, such as sculptures or water features, adding drama and enhancing the visual appeal. Experimenting with colour personalises your outdoor design and allows for creative expression.

A Lego Exhibition in Thirsk? Yes please.

Entry was free, with donations welcome for Holy Rood House which is a retreat house with a difference, open and inclusive, with a warm welcome for all, Margaret joined the stream of parents with small children, and – well, just adults with no children – all chatting, looking and remembering happy days of simple fun. Above is a lego replica of Holy Rood House, but this was only the beginning.

Street scenes, galore, with a Dad next to us explaining the intricacies to his son and daughter. Yes, daughter, for lego has moved on. Indeed, I bought Wicked from Brickworld@btinternet.com for my grand-daughter:

She will love trecreating the scene on the box.

Then how about the band – striking in black and white –

Oh, and then onto this vibrant scene –

Heavens, that got the kids and dads and mums talking, remembering, while the children expanded their horizons well away from phones, tablets and onto little bricks which can create magic, including landscapes which could ‘Be put on walls, Dad?’

Do you know, we all just loved it, what a buzz, a hubub, a place of dreams, of creation. I do hope Delilah likes Wicked.

Interview With Bestselling Author Laura Pearson

Tell us about you.

Hi. I’m Laura, I live in a village in Leicestershire with my husband, our two children and our cat. I’m pretty obsessed with reading and writing, and as well as writing novels I help run a Facebook book club called The Bookload.

Did you always want to be a writer?

I did, from about the age of six. I wrote and illustrated my first book about a witch at that time. It was about two pages long. I didn’t realise that illustrator was a separate job (and only usually required for children’s books).

What do you consider your big break?

I think getting my first offer of publication, because it had been such a long time coming.

What was your publication journey like?

Long and rocky. Which I think is true for most people. I finished writing my first book in 2010 and my first book was published in 2018. It wasn’t the same book but the first one did also get published. I’ve had three agents and two publishers and a huge amount of rejections.

Did you ever believe The Last List of Mabel Beaumont would do so well?

I really had no idea. My confidence was on the floor because I’d been trying to get another book published for four years at that point. My expectations were low, I was just over the moon to be published again. When she started to take off, it was amazing to watch. I think she’s exceeded everyone’s expectations for her.

What has changed since selling so many books?

I think I just feel more comfortable in describing myself as an author and spending so much of my time writing books. It’s really hard to believe in yourself if it feels like no one else does. Now I have an agent and an editor I can go to with questions or for support and that makes a huge difference. Also, people say really lovely things about my books all the time and it’s often so unexpected. Even though I know I’ve sold a lot of copies I’m still always surprised when anyone’s read them!

What advice would you give to other writers?

I think just to keep going if you possibly can. Obviously there can come a point where it’s not the best thing for you, but up to that point, keep writing, keep submitting. It’s all about finding the right match and it can take a long time. Rejections don’t mean you’re not good enough, they just mean you haven’t found the right person yet.

How do you become, and stay, successful as a writer?

Ask me in ten years’ time! I have no idea whether my success will last. I was so delighted when I got my first three-book deal but then I had another years-long rough patch, so nothing’s guaranteed. I am contracted to write quite a lot more novels for Boldwood Books, which I’m very happy about. But whether or not they’ll sell well remains to be seen. I just keep writing the best books I can. That’s all I can do.

What are your writing ambitions now?

We writers are very good at moving goalposts. Now I’ve sold more books than I ever thought I would, I want to be in a supermarket, and sell more foreign rights, and of course have a TV or film made of one of my books. There’s so much to aim for and I’m very ambitious.

What’s next?

My latest book, The Many Futures of Maddy Hart, came out in early February, and my next comes out in May. I’m not sure whether I’m allowed to tell anyone the title yet, but it’s about two women in their early sixties who meet by chance and are shocked to find that they’re identical. And after that, many more books! I like playing around with speculative ideas and coming up with interesting hooks.

Interview With The Man She Married Author Alison Stockham

Your debut, The Cuckoo Sister, was a top 10 bestseller. Did you expect it to be so successful?

I came to publishing with my eyes fairly wide open, due to having both worked in film and TV (which has crossovers in terms of how it works) and then at Cambridge Literary Festival as the events coordinator. I knew nothing was certain with publishing so the top ten listing for The Cuckoo Sister was amazing! Obviously I wanted it to be a success and had dreamed about it, but making the top ten was fantastic!

You are known for tackling brave subjects and writing complex characters. How do you come up with your characters? Where do you get your ideas?

I read a lot-of everything. From books to magazines, to online forums, chat groups, newspaper articles. and often snippets of ideas or characters will come from these. Everyday people in extraordinary circumstances is what I like to write about and so inspiration for this can come from all sorts of places. I observe people, I listen into conversations (much to my daughters’ embarrassment!) when out and about and it all slots into the jigsaw when I’m putting together an idea. I’m like a magpie, stealing shiny things!

What was your publishing journey like?

It was strange because it happened during Covid. I had just started approaching agents in March 2020, having been longlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize and then my plans to focus on that got somewhat waylaid! I hadn’t sent The Cuckoo Sister to many, when my now agent, Marianne Gunn O’ Connor, responded and wanted to develop the book with me. I liked how she worked and her vision for the book so we worked on various edits before sending it out. I was on submission for about six months and I wrote The Silent Friend at that time as a way to keep sane! Boldwood then picked up both and offered me a three book deal. So it was quiet and fairly uneventful! 

Describe your writing routine. 

I recently moved to full time writing after juggling working for Cambridge Literary Festival as well as writing and parenting, so now my routine is a little less harried! I work from home and start the day turning the kitchen/diner back into my office! Then I usually work on admin and social media while I turn my brain from mum to writer. I then work from mid-morning to the school run on whatever stage I’m at. At the moment it’s the first draft stage for book five, so I’m aiming for 1000-2000 words a day. Once the children are home I might be able to do a little more work, or it’s back into family life.

Your fourth book, The Man She Married, is out now. What is it about?

The Man She Married is about Beth, who wakes up after a car accident with 5 years of memories missing. She doesn’t remember leaving Australia nor meeting or marrying Rob, the man at her bedside who everyone says is her husband. She goes home to recover but cannot shift the feeling that something isn’t right and that she ought not to trust Rob. But-with her own mind so unreliable, can she trust herself? The book is about strength in adversity and the power to start over again.

Does writing get easier the more books you publish?

Yes and no. The worry of a first draft can be alleviated by knowing that you’ve done it before so you can do it again, and skills and techniques that you’ve learned as you’ve developed as a writer make it easier to some degree. Yet each new book is a new idea, new characters, a new plot and developing these and bringing them to life in a way that readers will connect with, is a new unchartered challenge every time.

What is your favourite thing about being an author?

I love that I get to create all these stories in my head and then share then with the world. I wanted to be a writer from a young age so the fact that I get to do this for a living is still amazing to me! 

And your thing you dislike?

The required self-promotion! I am too British, and I find it difficult to overcome the cringe factor!

What books have you read that you love?

Too many to list but the latest advance copies that I’ve loved include The Rush by Beth Lewis, set in the Canadian gold rush of the late 1800s and 59 Minutes by Holly Seddon which is set in the UK when a alarm is sent that a catastrophic nuclear strike is due in 59 minutes. We follow the main characters as they decide what to do with that time. Both brilliant, both out this summer.

What’s next?

I am working on book five for Boldwood, which is about the intensity of female friendship and what happens when it goes wrong.