NEXT BIG THING…
Thanks to Rebecca Giltrow
(rebeccahgiltrow.blogspot.co.uk), fellow Suffolk author, for tagging me in the
NEXT BIG THING. This is basically a literary pyramid scheme, except instead of
having to send a chocoloate bar or a pair of knickers (anyone else remember
that one?) you simply have to answer some questions on your blog. So I shall do
so, in the hope that someone will still send me a bar of chocolate…(don’t worry
about the knickers. That one always struck me as a bit odd.)
What is the working title of your book? My Sister
& Other Liars.
Where did the idea come from for the book? As always
with my writing, it is inspired by a real event. Several years ago I was
watching a TV programme about a young girl whose sister had been attacked, and
left brain damaged. The girl was told that the police had no idea who had
attacked her sister and they were closing the case.
My novel starts
at exactly that point, fictionally working through what a girl in that position
would feel and think and – most importantly – do.
What genre does your book fall under? It’s a
crime thriller. I’m hoping it will appeal to young adults, as well as older
readers, as Sam is just sixteen years old when she receives this devastating
news. She decides that, if the police can’t bring her sister’s attacker to
justice, then she will. The story takes place over the following 2 weeks,
culminating on her 17th birthday, which is also the anniversary of
the attack.
Which actors would you choose to play your characters
in a movie rendition? I really love the actress, Jennifer Lawrence, from
Winter’s Bone & The Hunger Games. In fact, I’m going to see her tonight in
Silver Linings Playbook. I think she’d sensitively show the dark aspect to Sam,
but also her vulnerability. However, at 21 she’s too old, so I’d go for an
unknown British actress who no one’s heard of in the hope that she would bring
an authentic vibe with her debut performance. I like the idea of taking a
chance on a newcomer, because that’s what Legend Press did with me.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? “In two
weeks I’m going to be 17, I’m also going to be a killer.”
Will your book be self-published or represented by an
agency? I’m represented by Clare Conville at Conville &
Walsh so I’m very, very fortunate.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of
your manuscript? Months. Years. Who’s counting? It’s not a race, and
the reader doesn’t care how long it took, just so long as it’s a damn good
read!
What other books would you compare this story to
within your genre? I’m interested in Gillian Flynn’s writing as she also
explores family dramas through the crime lens. I also like Laura Kasischke and Anita
Shreve.
Who or What inspired you to write this book? It’s the
story in the brain that won’t be silenced. I’m attracted to stories that raise
my anxiety, those newspaper headlines that linger long after the paper has been
binned. Writing is my way of working through it.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s
interest? Sam has anorexia, and I’ve done so much research on
the subject that I’m pretty sure I could tube someone if they needed me to.
It’s a horrible, obsessive, pervasive sickness and I hope I’ve portrayed it
authentically.
