How does it feel to hold your book in your hands?
It’s quite surreal. So much work goes in to publishing a novel, and it’s humbling, because so many people help to shape it in to the thing you’re suddenly now holding! It’s a proud moment, too. To see my name on the front of the book I spent so much of my time – and myself – on writing is a pretty special thing.
What’s the easiest and most difficult parts of your job as a writer?
The easiest is the quick commute from bed to desk! I also enjoy working alone and at my own pace – it’s not for everyone, but I’ve never been someone who liked being told how to do things. The downside can be that it’s quite isolating, but I’ve always enjoyed my own company, and I’m never short of things to do or to work on, so it’s mostly fine. I loved having my husband working from home during Iso! And when I have my toddler for company there’s definitely no room for boredom.
Who are some of your favourite authors? Or favourite books?
I adore all the great Australian female crime writers; Jane Harper, Sarah Bailey, Candice Fox. I’m also a fan of Dervla McTiernan and Aoiffe Clifford. And YA crime writer Sarah Epstein who’s a close friend of mine – she’s fabulous, and absolutely smashing it out there with all the awards! Rebecca James is another favourite. Oyinkan Braithwaite’s My Sister the Serial Killer I recently read and loved. I could go on!
Are you able to switch off at the end of a day of writing? If so, how?
Yes and no. I read a lot, so switching off with a book is always a good option. Cooking’s another… I spend a lot of time thinking about and making food! But the rest of the time, even if I’m not actively working, ideas are always bouncing around. Writers live with their characters for a while, I suppose, which can take us away from reality sometimes. But that’s fine. When I’m writing, it’s a good thing. It helps the process.
What’s your daily writing routine like and what are you working on at the moment?
My daily routine used to be fairly haphazard, but I’ve found a rhythm that’s working for me at the moment. When I’m writing a novel within a certain time frame, I set aside a time each day to write, even if it’s only an hour, and within that time I switch everything else off and all I do within that time is write. Sometimes it works, sometimes I only get out 250 words or so, but at least I’m making progress.
The rest of the time I can be doing admin, promo work, interviews, that kind of thing. I exercise daily (even if it kills me!) because I find that keeps my energy levels up and gets the brain juices flowing. It also stops me feeling like a total lay-about!
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