Author Interview: Meet Helen Hart.

Author Interview with Helen Hart

Brook Cottage Books is absolutely thrilled to welcome the lovely Helan Hart to the blog. Helen very kindly agreed to be interrogated  interviewed. Helen is such a great supporter of other authors I thought it was about time she took the hot seat!


Tell us about SilverWood Books.

SilverWood Books is an author services company that produces high quality professionally-designed books and ebooks. We’re a small, specialist team providing self-funding authors with professional publishing services and on-going support. Our list is reasonably selective and includes a number of traditionally published authors including former BBC Radio 4 broadcaster Sarah LeFanu, Oxford University Press editor Alan Hamilton, former Defense Secretary Sir John Nott, and Whitbread and Guardian nominated children's author Ann Turnbull.


What type of books do you write?

Mostly Young Adult historical novels. For many years I wrote for the ‘ideas factory’ Working Partners, where I wrote several of the Vampire Plagues/Vampire Dusk series, and the Sisters of the Sword series (set in 10th century Japan). More recently I self-published a pirate novel for teens, The Black Banner, the tale of penniless Becky Baxter who runs away to sea and finds herself on a pirate ship – very Pirates of the Caribbean!


You were a judge in the Bristol Short Story Prize in 2010 & 2011. Was that a difficult job?

Good question! Yes, it was difficult but mostly because the standard of entries was so high. It was a challenge for the judging panel to decide which stories of the 40-strong longlist should be put forward to the shortlist and ultimately the top three… Mind you, with our Open Day Writing Competition coming up, I think it was good practice! (The Open Day Writing Competition is being run by SilverWood Books and Kobo Writing Life, with support from Berforts Information Press. The winning novel will be published as a paperback and ebook. Find out more: http://kobowritinglife.com/2014/09/20/open-day-writing-competition/)
(you can find out even more about the comp on tomorrows blog post)
 
Do you have any advice for budding authors?

Quite early in my career I was given an excellent piece of advice: “Don’t get it right, get it written.” Every time I find myself a bit stuck, I think of that and it prompts me to stop over-thinking and just put the words on the page. It doesn’t really matter if what you write for your first draft isn’t that good… at least you have something which you can work with and edit. After all, you can’t edit a blank page. So just get some words down and don’t worry about quality. That comes later!


Did you always want to be a writer?

Always. As a child, I loved making up stories and spent a lot of time scribbling new adventures for my favourite children’s book characters. It was such a thrill for me when the manuscript for The Black Banner caught the attention of a literary agent. Sadly she didn’t sell that particular book, but it led to all my other books which did get published – and paved the way for my role at SilverWood and all the work I do supporting our authors.


Lastly, list 3 of your favourite books.

Now this is where things get tricky. There are so many fabulous books out there that it’s almost impossible to choose three. But here goes:
Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys
Memoirs of a Master Forger by William Heaney
The Keep by Jennifer Egan
Can I also mention my current read On Writing by Stephen King – while not an actual favourite book, it’s a must-read for writers!

Helen Hart is Publishing Director at author services company SilverWood Books. SilverWood supports self-funding writers to produce high quality professionally-designed books and ebooks. Helen is the author of 9 novels (HarperCollins, OUP, Scholastic), a Partner Member of The Alliance of Independent Authors, and an Indie reviewer for the Historical Novel Society.

Web: www.silverwoodbooks.co.uk

Email: helen@silverwoodbooks.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter: @SilverWoodBooks

or catch up with us on Facebook

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Author In The Spotlight: Pete Cook

Have I Got To Have Another Scar? by PG Cook

Genres: Memoir, True Story

Brook Cottage Books is thrilled to welcome good friend Pete Cook to the blog. Pete very kindly agreed to answer some questions about his writing. Thanks Pete. But first, lets find out a little bit about Pete's book.

Book Blurb

My story takes us through the years of my post university life. Meeting my now wife and the subsequent years that followed. The birth of my daughter and the worrying times that lay ahead. I knew becoming a dad for the first time would have its tough times. I just didn’t realise how tough. But then I hadn’t reckoned on anything other than a ‘normal’ birth. And perfectly healthy offspring. It had crossed my mind of course, but how many of us really think it could happen to us? I’d certainly never imagined I would have to stand by and watch my little girl, 2 days old, being driven off in an ambulance with its lights flashing and sirens blaring. Isn’t that just something that happens to other people? Our destination was Addenbrookes Hospital, the specialist hospital for babies in our area. I had never been so frightened.

I have been ever present since the birth of my little princess. Changed her first nappy and carried her to the operating theatre for her first operation and every subsequent operation. I have been consoled and been the one consoling. I have had many days and nights when my emotions and those of my wife and extended family have been stretched to a limit above and beyond anything I ever thought I would be able to cope with. But I have also laughed so hard its hurt. This book takes in everything. From simple tales of splashing about in puddles, changing nappies and ending up with the contents of a soiled nappy on my forehead, to not being able to pick my daughter up for a cuddle as she was “way to poorly” and being told by an intensive care nurse “I genuinely thought she was going to die”.

I’ve had days when I have thought “why us” and days where I have been thankful it wasn’t us. I never thought anything could be more frightening than that first operation when Charlotte was just two weeks old. But then came open heart surgery in Gt Ormond St. and what happened in Addenbrookes in June 2008 made the heart surgery operation feel more like a check up at the dentist. Seven operations later and the memories are as fresh today as if it was yesterday. Being a parent is the most amazing experience that has ever happened to me and ultimately I love being a dad, it is without doubt the best feeling in the world, If we could just stop having to go through so many life saving operations………..

Author Interview

JB: Tell the blog readers a little bit more about who Pete Cook really is – job, hobbies etc

PETE: Well, I've now hit the big 40 and with the exception of 3 years spent at College in Doncaster I have lived in or around Bedford all my life. My day job is working for a Housing Association in the Development department. I am in charge of 'Asset Development' which in brief means I look at our existing assets and work out what needs repairing, managing or just plain knocking down in favour of shiny new houses. My hobbies, aside from writing, involve football, golf and just messing about with my two kids (there really is nothing like spending time with your kids.) I insist that every day I hear them laugh. Even if it does mean pinning them down and tickling them. If I have any time spare after this then chances are I will be sat down watching something funny (I love comedy) whilst eating pizza. I coach my boys under 7’s football team and have just passed my level one FA coaching badge. I get a massive buzz from coaching the kids and have got more courses booked in for the new year so hopefully will get a few more qualifications as well.

JB: Do you hope to someday become a full time writer?

PETE:Yes, yes and yes again. Being in a position to write full time really is the dream. I  have no idea if it will ever happen (a lottery win to help pay off the mortgage would help) but in the mean time I will just sit and write whenever I get the opportunity, release more books and enjoy the ride whilst it lasts.

JB: When your daughter was ill, did you keep a diary at the time of what was happening or did you write the book retrospectively?

PETE: A combination of the two really. Ironically had Charlotte (my daughter) not been poorly then I may never have discovered my love of writing. I originally put pen to paper on the advice of a Councillor when Charlotte was first taken into intensive care. He advised me to write all of my hopes and fears down as it would serve as a great coping mechanism. Turns out he was right!  Then when Charlotte was allowed home we had a 'welcome to the world party' to introduce her to all of our family and friends and with the invites I sent out a little story of  what we had been through. Then when we found out Charlotte needed another operation I used writing as a coping tool again and the same  for the next operation and the operation after that and so on. Before I knew it and by luck (bad luck?) rather than design I had enough stories to fill a book.  I then wrote retrospectively about everything else. And I didn’t want the book to be all doom and gloom. I wanted people to be able to relate to us as well, to be able to smile in recognition of the things every parent goes through which is why I've quite deliberately included normal, everyday stories. Although I’m not sure getting your childs poo on your forehead could be described as normal!

JB: How long did it take you to complete the book?


PETE: Once I made the decision to turn all of my little mini stories into a book I would guess it took me about another 6 months to complete. Writing at  every conceivable opportunity. But the mini stories were originally written over a 3 year period. Writing about it also served to relieve the boredom of being sat by Charlotte's hospital bedside for days, sometimes weeks on end.

JB: Tell us a little about what you are writing at the moment.

PETE: I've got a sit com that I have written that I keep updating and tinkering with occasionally but in the main I am working on a new, totally different book. It will be my first fiction book. It is only in its early stages but its about friendship, bullying and growing up in the 80's. Its giving me a great opportunity to look back at the things I remember from my childhood. The story itself is a work of fiction but I'm throwing in a few trips down memory lane for those that read it too .

JB:  Do you have any writing rituals? – e.g music on in background?


PETE: No rituals really. At least I don’t think I have. My wife reminds me that as a male I am only capable of doing one thing at once and to be fair, when I am writing,  world war 3 could be kicking off around me and I wouldn’t have a clue. I just go into this little world of my own and time just flies by.

JB: What kind of books do you like to read?


PETE: I will read almost anything to be honest. As a kid I loved Roahl Dahl (who didn’t) then I moved on to Terry Pratchet followed by Stephen King but  I will read anything really. I have just read David Jasons Autobiography. I've loved pretty much everything he has done and it really was a good read. I don’t want to offer too many spoilers but I was amazed to learn that when he went to the auditions for ‘only fools and horses’ he actually read for the part of granddad and it was David Jason himself who convinced the writers that he should play Dell boy. A good move I am sure you will agree!!!!.

JB:  Most importantly, tell us how your daughter is now.

PETE: Charlotte is 8 now and up until fairly recently she was pretty much in the clear on all aspects of her previous health issues. We only have to go for check ups once every two years on her heart and her hip and that is (touch wood) more as a precaution. The other issues she had have been signed off completely.  We have however just found out that Charlotte has got curvature of the spine which sadly means more operations. She has just been fitted with a made to measure back brace that will hopefully slow down the curvature until she is a little older, maybe 10 or 11 when she will have the first of two operations to straighten her back. Throughout everything we have been through with Charlotte we have always tried to put a positive spin on things. Its been tough to do this time around as we had kind of hoped all of her operations and medical issues were behind us. That said, there are an awful lot of worse things that she could have been diagnosed with and although its safe to say we are not looking forward to having to go through more operations at least we have a fix, a solution to the issue. And that in itself is something to celebrate. If that sounds a bit daft to people reading this then I urge them to type ‘claudias cause’ into the  facebook or google search engine as reading that will pretty much sum up exactly what I mean. Every day people go through what Claudia’s parents have gone through and well, I simply do not know how they cope. It would simply destroy me.

So yeah, more uncertainty and I’m dreading that feeling of when Charlotte is in the operating theatre but all being well she will come through the other side all sorted, nice and straight (probably 4” taller) and still be smiling, laughing and continue to be the most awesome little daughter any dad could possibly wish for.

JB: Any writing tips?

PETE: I really am not sure I am best placed to answer that. All I can say is that when I write I     do it from the heart and write openly and honestly. My new book is non fiction but I     have tried to get into the head of the main character and write as passionately as I can as if I were him. But then I guess all writers do that. I can add that if you are about to self publish your book, before pressing the ‘go live’ button get the finished book professionally proof read.  Individuals may have different opinions on your book, some may like the story, some may not, but nobody likes to have to battle through a book that has been badly edited. If I am allowed to plug individuals I strongly recommend ‘Polish Your Prose’ as this company have been exceptional in helping me with my current book. And not forgetting of course the wonderful ‘ Brook Cottage Books’  who also provide a range of both paid and free promotional options for your book!!!

When the book is finished though, and you are out in the spotlight, I can definitely advise people to get online and mingle with fellow authors and writers. I have learned that its actually harder to market / promote your book than it is to write it but  the internet is awash with people who will help and offer advice. I am quite genuinely amazed at the kindness of the people I have met through my book. So many people have given up their free time to offer help and advice. I have met, and continue to meet some genuinely wonderful people all of  whom are happy to help and support each other. And as it turns out its also incredibly good fun.

To add to the above I would also like to thank JB and Brook Cottage Books and all the other writers bloggers and book fans  that I have met online. All such a simply wonderful group of people.

        

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Author Interview and Giveaway - Josephine Cox

Brook Cottage Brooks is so absolutely thrilled to have the very talented Josephine Cox on the blog! Massive thanks to her for answering my questions. As part of this fantastic interview, I have a paperback copy The Runaway Woman! Enter the rafflecopter competition at the end of the post to be in with a chance of winning it!

 

Interview

The Runaway Woman is your 50th Novel. Did you ever imagine that when you started writing you’d be celebrating 50 novels?

I can never recall when I first started telling stories. All I know, is that from the earliest age, I would tell stories to anyone who would listen; stories of a dog I got from the pound. Stories of little fairies and dark, scary stories of strange creatures who stalked the night.
When I was little, my Grandad was the one who began my fierce love for stories. He would enthral me for hours with his magical tales.
Of course I never imagined for one moment, that as an adult and a successful writer, that I would have written fifty full- length novels. Even now, I am in awe of that great achievement, and it goes without saying, that I am immensely grateful to whoever gave me the imagination for my stories, so I could reach out across the world and interact with a huge and ever increasing readership; with beautiful, real people, who constantly tell me they get lost in my stories, and can’t wait for the next one to be published. It truly is, most humbling, and hugely heart-warming.

What was it like to win the RNA Lifetime Achievement Award?

I am still blown away by having been given the RNA Lifetime Achievement Award. I would have loved for my Grandad to have seen the presentation, for it was he who gave me the love and great passion for telling stories. Looking back now, I know what a wonderful storyteller he was. I will never forget the joy he gave me through his real exciting tales.

At what age did you first start writing?

I told my very first short story at the age of five, the very day I started school. At playtime, in the yard, my classmates would always ask me to tell them a story. I loved telling stories, and if the teacher asked during class for someone to tell a story, I always had my hand up first. But, I mostly treasure the playground time, and the children all about me listening to my tales. Without a doubt, that was my most favourite time at school.

You are one of 10 children. What was it like growing up in such a big family and did it give you inspiration for your writing?

Life was hard, and we went without many times. We never had a Christmas – which is why these days, I love Christmas with a passion.

Growing up with nine noisy, wonderful siblings, gave me such great joy; although there were many bad times when we went without. Family though, is so very precious, and with seven brothers, I had great fun. I learned to fight, climb trees, play football, and be a winner at conkers. How’s that, eh?

Do you have any strange writing rituals?

When I’m in the heart of the story, I never leave a chapter unfinished before I have a break, or go to bed (often at Midnight!) Also, when starting a story, I always build the characters about me, so I live the story with them. I have a sketch of each and every character pinned all about me on my office wall. As the story progresses, I change the pictures as the characters change in the story – in other words, when the years pass in the story , the characters might change or grow in many ways… therefore I must keep changing the drawings.
For instance, the hair might go grey, or an accident could alter the physical appearance, and in women, it is possible they might get pregnant or have a ‘makeover’. Basically, my wall sketches must keep pace with the characters in the story.


Do you have a particular writing style? Do you plan or let the story carry you along?

My writing style is many things – I scribble into so many little books, which I try and always to carry about with me, If I’m in a café without a little book, and an idea comes to mind, I’ll often scribble on the back of my hand, or on a receipt in my pocket. When I get home all these hurried little notes get transferred to the computer files. I have a main file for the story, and separate files for each character. If I work late – which is often, I fall into bed and fall asleep with the story buzzing in my head. Sometimes, when I wake up, I find a pile of scribbled notes on my bedside cabinet or littered on the carpet. All relevant to the story. All written when I am more asleep than awake.
I am with my characters the entire length of the story, whether awake or asleep. Every day, I start writing straight after breakfast and I am often so deeply absorbed in the story and living with the characters, that I have no idea of times passing, and often don’t fall into bed until well past Midnight.
The very moment I bring my characters to life and set them free, it is they who write the story. It is they who demand of me, and not the other way around. It is they who tell of their feelings, their fears and loves. They know their achievement, they suffer loves and fears, and live with whatever is in their deepest of hears. Sometimes though, if I suspect they have taken a wrong turn along the way, I bring them gently back. Whatever the characters feel, I feel also. In the end, I must be both excited and content that between us, the characters and I have somehow kept loyal and true, to the power of the story, which is first presented to me, and shared with the characters first, and then the readers, who after all,, will always have the final say.

You wrote your first novel whilst looking after your children and working as a teacher. What advice would you give anyone who says that they would love to write but don’t have the time due to family commitments?  

I would always say to would–be writers, that if you really do want to be a writer, you must first and always listen to your heart and instinct. Of course there will be some of you who find it difficult to set off on that particular path, because of other, practical things in life that might prove to be a barrier. But if the urge to write is so fierce that you feel in your heart it is your destiny, then try if you can, to test the water so to speak. By that, I mean send a short story to an agent (see in your local library – consult The Writers and Agents book) or join a writing calls, maybe in your local college; or write a short story and try it on your friends or family – take heed of their comments, but at the end of the day, only you can decided whether or not it is for you.
All I will say, is that after my family, my greatest joy in life, is the time I spend creating my stories, and after publication, reading the readers’ comments.

I do know, that for whatever reason, I have been very fortunate, somehow, someone gave me the gift of being a storyteller, and I will be forever grateful, because I truly believe I have found my true role in life. And I have also found a worldwide readership who I trust, and who have become my lifelong friends.

Thank you once again to the very lovely Josephine Cox for appearing on the blog. You can win a copy of the book right here on the blog! Keep reading for more details.

About the Author

Josephine Cox was born in Blackburn, one of ten children. At the age of sixteen, Josephine met and married her husband Ken, and had two sons. When the boys started school, she decided to go to college and eventually gained a place at Cambridge University. She was unable to take this up as it would have meant living away from home, but she went into teaching - and started to write her first full-length novel. She won the 'Superwoman of Great Britain' Award, for which her family had secretly entered her, at the same time as her novel was accepted for publication.

About the book:

Those looking in from the outside think Lucy Lovejoy’s life is like any other, but at the centre of her family there is a big empty hole where all the love and warmth should be. Over the years, her children have watched while their father chipped away at Lucy’s self-confidence. Now the children are following their own paths, and Lucy has never felt more alone.

When tragedy strikes at the heart of the family, it’s a wake-up call for Lucy. Everyone has taken a little piece of her, and she isn’t sure who she is anymore. So when Lucy faces a betrayal from those she loves deepest, she knows that it’s time to make a choice.

Is she brave enough to find herself again?

       

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A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother - Author Interview - Christie J Barlow

As the tour for A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother continues, I am thrilled to have Christie J Barlow on the blog today. Thank you to Christie for taking time out from her busy schedule to answer my questions. 

What inspired you to write the novel?

My inspiration for this book came from my four children who are all at various stages in their education. This is where I became fascinated into everyday politics and the dynamics of primary school playground mothers. My book is based purely on comedic scenarios of mothers that occur in everyday life and as such it’s meant that people reading the diary find it immersive and actually start believing these fictional characters are real when in fact it’s pure fiction, this just exemplifies my characters and style of writing.


How long did it take you from the idea stage to writing the actual novel?

The book took me 12 months to write from the initial ideal to the official launch. The second week of release my book hit the Amazon’s movers and shakers chart at number 11 but since it has reached #1 in the parent and family humour chart and became an Amazon bestseller. My Facebook page is very positive and Twitter followers have been lovely!

What has been the reaction from family and friends?
 
The reaction from my family and friends has been a very positive one. They loved the book from the outset and all encouraged me to follow my dream to write a book. My husband and four children are extremely proud of my dedication and hard work especially knowing that I turned my initial idea into reality and even more so when I achieved an Amazon #1 bestseller.


Do you have plans for another book?

Yes I have plans for another book, I am currently writing the sequel to A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother and hopefully this will be ready to be released in the spring of 2015.

Do you have any writing rituals?

I don’t have any writing rituals as such but I do find myself waking up in the middle of the night with all sorts of ideas whirling around in my head. I keep a notebook by the side of my bed and I write down everything I think of so I don’t forget by morning. I usually write for a couple of hours every afternoon as this is the time all my household jobs are complete and all my animals have been fed and walked.

Do you have any advice for budding writers?

My advice for budding authors would be to write a little everyday that way there will always be continuity. We all have self doubts when writing but keep going, believe in yourself. Make sure you read lots of different varieties of books and always find time to read. Just remember you can’t please all of the people all of the time and some people will not like what you have written. Remember not to feed their negativity a dignified silence is the best way, these people do not matter, surround yourself with positive people and those that believe in you and love your work. Remember it is better to create and be criticized than to create nothing and criticize others.


Tell us 2 of your favourite books.

My two favorite books

My first favourite book is ‘The Diary of Anne Frank.’ I had many books on my bookshelf as a child and was an avid reader. I was intrigued by this book – who was Kitty? Whilst reading this book as a child I was conscious I was nearly the same age as Anne yet I was living a very different life. Whilst Anne was afraid for her life, her constant fear of discovery, her conflicts with her mother I was amazed by her wisdom and her reflection.

My second favourite book is also from my childhood – This book is a classic and is the first book from the fabulous Enid Blyton in her Famous Five series – Five on a Treasure Island. This book has stayed with me from the age of seven where I can remember sitting on an old trunk in my bedroom and not moving till I had read it all. These books are absolute classics and every child should have the opportunity to read them, they are truly fantastic.

Thank you very much for taking time to interview me.

You can read my review for the book on the blog on 15th October!

BUY

Ever had the pleasure of collecting your children from the school playground? Even if you haven't this is a hilarious must read.

A month by month comical tale of a young mother fighting for her place in the world against the backdrop of the Playground Mafia.

As her life unfolds and she takes us through from one amusing anecdote to another the characters come to life. There is Penelope who has a lot more going on in her life than she bargained for and Mrs Noland who has a lot less than she claims, not to mention Rupert who is a VERY busy man. With Mrs High School Musical, The International Sex God and The Frisky Pensioner, the characters are undeniably fascinating and leave you compelled to read more.

Who knew that one false move in the playground, one step in the wrong direction or smile at the wrong person could lead to such complications?

The witty one liners and side splitting stories will keep you amused from beginning to end.

Lively and entertaining, a hilarious comedy that every playground mother can relate to.

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Drumbeats by Julia Ibbotson - Author Interview & Giveaway

Brook Cottage Books is thrilled to have Julia Ibbotson on the blog today as the first week of her book tour for her book DRUMBEATS comes to an end. Lots of great posts for next week and you can follow the progress of the tour HERE.  Let's find out what the book is about first.

Book Blurb

Drumbeats: can you ever escape your past?

Drumbeats is the first novel in a trilogy and follows 18 year old English student Jess through her gap year in West Africa. It's a rite of passage novel set in the mid-1960s when Jess flees her stifling home background for freedom to become a volunteer teacher and nurse in the Ghanaian bush. Apprehensively, she leaves her first real romantic love behind in the UK, but will she be able to sustain the bond while she is away? With the idealism of youth, she hopes to find out who she really is and do some good in the world, but little does she realize what, in reality, she will find that year: joys, horrors, and tragedy. She must find her way on her own and learn what fate has in store for her, as she becomes embroiled in the poverty and turmoil of a small war-torn African nation under a controversial dictatorship. Jess must face the dangers of both civil war and unexpected romance. Can she escape her past? And why do the drumbeats haunt her dreams?

Drumbeats Trilogy:

Drumbeats

Can you ever escape your past?

Walking in the Rain

How do you cope when your worst nightmare comes true?

Before I Die

Can Jess’s bucket list bring resolution to her life?

Author Interview

 

JB: Do you plan your storylines or do you start with a general idea and let the writing carry you?

JULIA: To an extent. I do plan out the novel in general, chapter by chapter, and details about the characters and their back-story. I like to think I know where I’m going on the journey and that it’s mapped out. But I find that, as I write, it all changes as the characters, situations and relationships go their own way, down other unexpected pathways – but overall the shape remains the same as my plan and it all arrives at the intended destination.

JB: How do you juggle your writing career with your day job?

JULIA:  With difficulty – but a little less difficulty than when I was working full time at the university! I only do two days a week there now and so, on the other three days, I try to settle down to write, at home, all day if possible. I can’t do it in bits and pieces. My day job has always been one that is difficult to contain, so I have to try not to think about my students when I’m supposed to be writing.

JB: Do you have any strange writing rituals?

JULIA: Not really, I’m very boring! I just have to have my coffee on tap and I work at my antique desk in the conservatory which overlooks the gardens. I have to see fields and grass and trees.

JB: Drumbeats has been shortlisted this year in the Festival of Romantic Fiction in the BEST AUTHOR PUBLISHED category. Tell us how you feel about this.

JULIA: Thrilled to bits! Never mind the presentation to the award winner, for me it’s enough to be shortlisted! I can’t really believe it as this is my debut published novel; I have published before, but only academic stuff and a memoir with recipes (The Old Rectory: escape to a country kitchen) - no novels. I feel so honoured, especially as it’s real readers voting; it means the intended audience enjoyed it and that’s what it’s all about. I took the assisted self-publishing route for a number of reasons but I still have a sneaky hope that getting shortlisted at the Festival might lead to being adopted by a traditional or indie publisher!

JB: Where did the idea for Drumbeats spring from?

JB: I like to write stories that make the reader think, give them something to ponder, as well as, hopefully, taking them on an enjoyable narrative journey and introducing them to strong likeable characters. Those are the books I like to read too: ones that are a bit different, perhaps with an unusual narrative structure. And I wanted a swoony romantic hero, mysterious and maybe dangerous to know! Drumbeats is about Ghana and I myself lived there as a volunteer teacher and nurse just like Jess, and I’ve always wanted to write about the place. I also wanted to write about a young woman finding her way in life, growing into adulthood.  Although it’s fictionalised, I wanted the novel to evoke authentically the vibrant colours, noises, smells and tastes of Africa, so those were from my own experience, seen through Jess’s eyes. Many of the things that happen to Jess, happened to me!  So, which bits are true? Sorry, but I’m not telling!

JB: How long, from the spark of an idea to publication was the whole process for Drumbeats?

JULIA: Probably the whole process took something like a year and a half, although many years in the dreaming. I did a great deal of research first, as I always do, and I really enjoy that process. It’s set in the mid-1960s so I had to explore the times, the music, fashions, what was going on then, and also research Ghana again, even though I had lived there, I had to make those memories live again in my mind and heart.  A lot was happening across West Africa in 1966 and I wanted to make those dangerous times part of the story.

JB: What’s next for you?

JULIA: I’m already writing the sequel to Drumbeats; it’s called Walking in the Rain, which follows Jess’s story on from the end of Drumbeats, when she’s back in England and has other issues to face through the 1970s and 1980s. The title is from a 10cc song (The things we do for love) which, although written in 1976, was very popular in the 1980s when most of the story is set, although there are flashbacks to past events that build up to the crux of the story. It seemed to evoke the period and experiences that Jess was having at that time.  Again I want to recreate a specific time and place. I’m enjoying getting back into the spirit of those times! Don’t expect it to be all violins and roses; it’s realistic and I hope there are issues here that readers have had to face themselves and will empathise with and be able to come to terms with. There is drama and tragedy again in store for Jess.

Thank you Julia for this great interview! 

About Julia Ibbotson

Julia Ibbotson lives in a renovated Victorian rectory in the English countryside with her husband (four children, now grown up, having fled the nest), along with lots of apple trees, a kitchen garden and far too many moles. She is an author and academic, and loves choral singing, walking, swimming, gardening and cooking (not necessarily at the same time). She started writing as soon as she could hold a pencil in her tiny fist and has not stopped since, much to the bemusement of her long-suffering husband who brings her endless cups of coffee and sometimes even makes the dinner when she is distracted and frowning at her laptop.

She wrote her first novel when she was 10 years old, sadly never published and long since consigned to the manuscript graveyard. She loves writing novels with a strong sense of time and place and that is the basis of her latest, Drumbeats, the first of a trilogy which follows Jess through the trials and tribulations of her life. It starts with Jess on her gap year in Ghana in the 1960s.

She has also written the story of the restoration of her rectory in The Old Rectory: Escape to a Country  Kitchen, which also interweaves recipes from her farmhouse kitchen and which has won a number of international awards.

Recently she found an old manuscript gathering dust in her drawer, one she had originally scribbled when she was still at school, many years ago. It was a children’s story about a boy who slips through a tear in the fabric of the universe to find himself in a fantasy medieval world. She is currently blowing off the dust and redrafting it for her publishers to let it loose on the world in the autumn. It’s called S.C.A.R.S.

She loves to hear from readers (it’s a pleasant distraction from her steaming keyboard), so do get in touch via the links.

Author Links

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juliaibbotson@btinternet.com

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