Psychic Surveys Book One: The Haunting of Highdown Hall is a
paranormal mystery and the start of a series of books that will only get
darker.
What made you choose
that genre?
Since young my two favourite genres have been romance and
paranormal – a strange mix I know – blend the two and I’m just as happy. I also
write contemporary romance (my first novel – The Runaway Year – is a romance
set in Cornwall and it’s sequel is due out this year). But, as I don’t just
read one genre, I don’t want to write just one genre either. After completing
The Runaway Year, it was Psychic Surveys that flowed next. Following on from
that it was the sequel to the first book. It’s back to the darkness now. I like
to alternate!
How long does it take
you to write a book?
When I write a book I get completely immersed – the world
I’m writing about is often more ‘real’ than the world I live in (which in the
case of The Haunting can get interesting!). So far I’ve written four books,
each has taken me between 3 to 6 months. After that though, comes the hard
work. I have a trusty band of beta readers I deliver each book to. They
critique, I amend (if I agree it needs amending, sometime I stick to my guns)
and then it’s editing, editing, editing. Oh, and proofreading. By the time I’ve
finished, I can practically recite each book word perfect!
What is your work
schedule like when you're writing?
I have three children so I tend to write whilst they’re at
school. Having said that, if I’m really in the flow, I write when they come
home too. The burnt dinners those poor children have suffered because I’ve been
unable to tear myself away from the computer screen! They’re proud of me though
and my eldest (16) now wants to be a writer herself! Basically, I write when I
can. If an idea hits me when I’m out no problem. That’s what the notepad on my
iPhone was invented for!
I love Cornwall, especially the North, so I wanted to set
some books there, hence the Runaway series. Regarding The Haunting, my husband
is a structural engineer. Many a time he’s surveyed a new house and the owners
have said they’re on the look out for ghosts – almost gleefully they say this
but some have been more worried. This gave him the idea for another kind of
surveying service – Psychic Surveys – specialising in domestic spiritual
cleansing. In reality, I think there are many flaws to such a business idea but
in fiction, it could work beautifully – so I took the idea and ran. In the
Haunting, Psychic Surveys is run by Ruby Davis, a young psychic, as a high
street business. She has a team of freelancers working for her, all psychic to
varying degrees. Together they work on cases in and around Sussex, their
success ensuring them a solid reputation. This reputation is threatened,
however, by the new owner of Highdown Hall and the ghost of 1950s movies star,
Cynthia Hart… The ideas just keep on flowing and there’s a Psychic Surveys Two
in the pipeline!
When did you write
your first book and how old were you?
The Runaway Year is my first book and I wrote that just a
couple of years ago. I am a copywriter by trade, however, and have been since
leaving university at 21. Before that, I dabbled in poetry but only really for
my own pleasure.
What do you like to
do when you're not writing?
My extra-curricular activities include reading, walking in
the countryside and socialising with friends. I also love a good movie, horror
being my ultimate favourite on that score but not gory stuff – I like my horror
much cleverer than that. I also love a good thriller.
What was one of the
most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
That I could do it! Honestly, that is the most surprising
thing. That I could take a story and all it’s different threads and weave them
together in a page-turning way for around 80,000 to 90,000 words. I’ve also
been surprised by the strength of the writing community on social media, how
friendly people are, how welcoming, how willing they are to help you on your
way. And finally, the ideas well, how it never dries up.
How many books have
you written?
I’ve completed four and am currently working on my fifth
(Psychic Surveys Book Two). Two are published, the third is coming out this
year and the fourth is on submission.
Which is your
favourite and why?
I love them all equally – they’re my babies, I have to say
that! Seriously though, whatever book I’m working on at the time is my
favourite, I just become so immersed in it, live and breathe the characters.
I’ve just finished Jessamin(e) – the book currently on submission – and it’s a
paranormal mystery/romance. I LOVED writing that book, I love all the
characters (even the dead ones) and I think the romance within it is very
touching.
As a child, what did
you want to do when you grew up?
I just wanted to write, which I have done, as a copywriter
and an author. I’m a writing machine!
What are you working
on now?
I’m writing Psychic Surveys Book Two. Around a week ago I
didn’t have a clue re storyline and then it came to me in a blinding flash. I
like those blinding flash moments and I tend to go with them. The idea involves
a lot of research, but that’s fine – I tend to research as I go along rather
than before. I’m really excited about writing it, although after that I’ll go
onto something lighter, another romance maybe, it’s not good to immerse
yourself in the darkness for too long! As I said earlier, I intend to swing
between the dark and the light.
Links
Facebook Author Page: http://tinyurl.com/n8ks6rz
Goodreads: http://tinyurl.com/pntjjwf
Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/lak4ub2
Amazon US: http://tinyurl.com/l29wj78
Critique Service for Writers
Flash 500 Home Page: Flash Fiction, Humour Verse
and Novel Opening Chapter and Synopsis Competitions
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