Tell us about yourself.
I am a writer from Birmingham, UK, living in North Wales. Passionate about fantastical tales, I favour writing stories about women finding their strength (usually with some kind of animal sidekick), and my work can be found in good bookshops and anthologies worldwide. My 'wry wit and vicious imagination' have been praised, and when I'm not writing, I help others make their stories the best they can possibly be, working as an editor and writing coach. I have a PhD, MA, and BA in Creative Writing and am a trained coach.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Birmingham, near Sarehole Mill (Tolkien's childhood home), which greatly impacted my writing. It was wonderful to walk around the same woods that inspired Middle Earth, and celebrating the world he created at Tolkien weekends was so much fun. Some people think of Birmingham as a grey place, but this couldn't be further from the truth! The architecture, history, and greenery lend themselves to creative minds, and I'm proud to be from there.
What was your journey to getting published like?
It was, as I think all writers probably find, a rollercoaster. The ups and downs of publishing are well documented, and my journey was no different. However, I found a home for my fairly niche work with a wonderful award-winning indie publisher (Fly on the Wall Press), and I am delighted with the support they have shown me.
What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve ever received?
Someone said they missed my novel The Finery once they finished it, which meant the world to me. I often think of an Alan Bennet quote that mirrors this feeling: “The best moments in reading are when you come across something – a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things – which you had thought special and particular to you. Now here it is, set down by someone else, a person you have never met, someone even who is long dead. And it is as if a hand has come out and taken yours.”
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Oh, I have tons of advice (just check out my blog!). Mostly, though, it would be to lean into your passion. Readers can tell when you are writing about something you love and are fascinated by. It shines through your sentences, so write what you want to write about, and try not to pay too much attention to what's popular right now (market trends move quickly).
What’s a fun fact about you that your readers might not know?
I live in a house that is over 200 years old, and was converted from a prison to a dwelling in 1820. There aren't any ghosts (that I've seen…).
What’s your guilty pleasure book or genre?
I wouldn't say I feel guilty about any of the genres I enjoy, but when I'm given a good thriller, I devour it! It's not my usual go-to, but I really do enjoy them. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn is a great example.
What’s your favorite quote about writing?
“If I waited for perfection, I would never write a word.”
Margaret Atwood
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
I have a large poodle who requires around 3 hours of walking daily, so we do that a lot. I also enjoy gaming. RPG narrative can teach you so much about creating a story. I can lose hours in a game like Skyrim, and it's just so joyful.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
When I was 14 I read The Lord of the Rings. I was unwell, off school and in bed for around three weeks. Reading that series changed everything, really. It was illuminating for me. And then, the films came out, and that was like confirmation of what I wanted: to create fantastical worlds and sink into them.
What has inspired you and your writing style? How did you choose the Fantasy genre?
My writing is inspired by other great writers, such as Kate Atkinson, Terry Pratchett, Connie Willis, Hilary Mantel…while I'm not saying I'm on their level (one could only wish!), I certainly aspire to be. They all do the same thing: create worlds that come alive and stick with you long after you have finished reading. Atkinson in particular has a way of reaching from the page and straight into your heart. I don't know if I chose the fantasy genre or if the fantasy genre chose me! I read accross the board, but when I write, the world always has an element of magic. I can't stay away from it.
How do you deal with negative reviews?
Honestly, reviews are not for the writer. Nothing can truly be gained by visiting your own page on Goodreads, or equivalent. Reviews are for other readers, and reading is subjective. Not all work can be enjoyed by everyone. That's not to say that I never check them, because trying not to is like to trying to avoid a delicious cake thats waiting in the fridge, but I remind myself of the above when I do. We can't all be for everyone and shouldn't aspire to be.
How do you connect with your readers?
I engage online, do signings, deliver talks, and go on podcasts.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My third novel (Witchborne) comes out in September with Fly on the Wall Press! I'm currently editing my sixth novel. I have big plans for my seventh…
Are there any Easter eggs or hidden messages in your work?
That would be telling…
How do you approach writing dialogue for your characters?
I try to make it as realistic as possible. Real people mumble, don't always respond, can't always hear you. A little realistic behaviour in dialogue goes a long way.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
A cream tea.
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